"The Sitter" is a faithful but relatively unremarkable adaptation of the classic urban legend "The Babysitter and the Man Upstairs". The short film features fairly strong performances by lead actress Lucia Stralser and Curt Sanders, the man behind the surprisingly unsettling voice that repeatedly terrorizes her. The film's wide shots also do a great job of conveying Jill's relative isolation and insecurity in the ominously quiet house. Other than that, however, I find "The Sitter" to be relatively unremarkable. The frightening phone calls that carry the plot along prove to be increasingly repetitive rather than truly building tension as they could, and the musical score utterly destroys any leftover tension that they might have. The calls should trigger an ominous atmosphere, not one that sounds as if Jill has stepped into the next level of "Luigi's Mansion". This ultimately proved to be "The Sitter"'s downfall in my opinion, as I found myself not especially caring about what would happen as it quickly drew towards its conclusion.
However, I am very much looking forward to watching "When a Stranger Calls", as I've heard it's done much better. Plus, you know, Carol Kane!
P. S.: I did very much enjoy the fact that Jill's solution to being terrorized over the phone is to raid the liquor cabinet. Classic move.
However, I am very much looking forward to watching "When a Stranger Calls", as I've heard it's done much better. Plus, you know, Carol Kane!
P. S.: I did very much enjoy the fact that Jill's solution to being terrorized over the phone is to raid the liquor cabinet. Classic move.