See for Me

By: MJ Asuncion

The home invasion plot for a thriller is one that is familiar to many viewers. There have been a number of films that depict what happens when intruders break into a home’s safe space. Now, take this idea and add a victim who has a disability to make the situation even more challenging. This extra twist has also been explored in such films as Hush and Don’t Breathe and the latest See for Me follows a similar path. Although the film uses a recognizable setup, it adds a new and interesting resource, that is relatable in today’s technology dependent society.

The film See for Me is a thriller that centers around Sophie Scott (played by the real-life visually impaired actor Skyler Davenport in their first leading film role). When the film opens viewers catch a glimpse of Sophie’s life before the main story begins, where she is shown to be a gifted former skier. We witness Sophie packing her bag and soon realize that she is blind. Within the first few minutes of the film, we learn a lot about Sophie’s character, which plays an important part in the story. She was a successful athlete, but her condition cut her career short. She is determined, independent and stubborn to the point where it almost seems as if she resents anyone offering her assistance. Sophie lives at home with her mother and their relationship is tense. She has been doing occasional jobs for the wealthy, who also seemingly tip her very well.

It is at Sophie’s next job, cat-sitting at a secluded mansion, that the central location for the film is set. Three men easily enter with equipment to get access to a hidden safe, not knowing that Sophie is actually staying there. Sophie’s only defense is army veteran named Kelly (Jessica Parker Kennedy), who enjoys playing first-person shooter games online and is also registered with the See for Me phone app. Using the app, which helps the visually impaired, Kelly becomes Sophie’s “eyes” and together they must get through the night. Though they are virtually strangers, it is their interaction that keeps the film moving.

Jessica Parker Kennedy does an impressive job as Kelly, despite being set remote from the action. It is also worth to mention that even in a smaller role, Emily Piggford does a standout job as Deputy Brooks, in a well-placed scene that makes you question the morality of the story.

See for Me is the sophomore feature for director Randall Okita, who’s first feature The Lockpicker won Best First Feature at the Canadian Screen Awards. Okita’s use of wide camera angles mixed in with tight shots immerses the viewer in the suspenseful cat and mouse game between Sophie and the thieves. Together with the insertion of unsettling sounds at key moments and creative lighting, Okita manages to keep the viewers anxious in anticipation for what will happen next. The wintery backdrop, the large mansion and the film taking place mostly at night give a real sense of isolation and at times desperation.

It is well established that Sophie is a morally flawed protagonist, who makes questionable decisions and often loses patience with anyone that she deems isn’t worth her time. Viewers will want to root for her, but at the same time will get frustrated with her. It is only through Kelly’s “eyes” that the viewer can start to see who Sophie used to be. Davenport and Kennedy work well together to bring this relationship to screen and their dynamic is enjoyable to witness. Even though See for Me does not take suspenseful thrillers to soaring new levels, which is difficult to do in the home invasion genre, it is well executed, entertaining and worth a watch.