callanvass I watched this movie solely for Teresa Palmer's presence. I didn't really expect much going in other than a watchable thriller. I didn't even get that. It was technically watchable, but it lacks suspense and surprises. Oddly enough, the acting is fine. But there is absolutely nobody to root for, making this one somewhat of a murky and miserable experience. I don't mind thrillers that are derivative at all, as long as they are entertaining. You've seen this one all before and done much better. Let me start with the main problem, the characters. Palmer is by far the best thing about this movie. Her alluring, seductive, and amoral performance was the highlight for me. She was actually likable, which is more than I can say for anybody else. Travis Fimmel is actually very convincing as the crazed villain. He was just a bit too abrasive for my liking and didn't know when to simmer it down. It got to the point where it became OTT. He began to annoy me and it ruined the performance for me. Stephen Moyer plays his manipulative part well, but he's a major idiot. He is purportedly our hero, but he is arguably as flawed as the villains themselves. The ending made me wanna jump in the screen and strangle him. Speaking of the ending, I will give it some credit. The movie is just too unoriginal, slow, and unlikable for me to ever see again. It is worth a look, but nothing more. 5.2/10

Darrell_H Restraint is a very original take on the couple on the run story. More importantly though it is well crafted in every aspect and the acting is superb. The characters are very layered and oftentimes emotionally raw and the actors are definitely up to the task.Travis Fimmel is great as Ron being both violent and manipulative but also playful and even sympathetic. Stephen Moyer is also great as Andrew being a fearful victim that as time goes by becomes more bold with his captors. Both definitely brought the characters to life.Teresa Palmer as Dale had the most challenging role. She is conflicted over the deaths she has been a party to and her feelings for Ron and growing feelings for Andrew. She is not the least bit modest physically but is emotionally unsure of herself, even innocent. Palmer was not only capable but flawless in her portrayal.I did not recognize her as Number 6 in I Am Number Four until I checked her credits. That someone can immerse themselves in two such different characters so as to not be recognizable is a testament to their acting ability. She reminds me of a cross between Kristen Stewart and Naomi Watts.Now if they would just make I Am Number Six. Whoever has the rights to that should realize they have a star for the lead. As for Restraint I am still thinking about it the day after and I can't think of a higher compliment than that.

SnakesOnAnAfricanPlain Like many I expected just a cheap little thriller. Instead I got a very in depth character study. Each of the three protagonists are fleshed out and sometimes in subtle ways. Two lovers on the run take a man hostage in his home. The man is agoraphobic and his fiancé is mysteriously absent. As the two lovers hide out, tension begins to grow as the girl feels for the hostage. It soon becomes clear that she has been dragged along in this road trip of destruction as a way to escape her life as a stripper. It doesn't help that her boyfriend has some serious psychological and rage issues. He begins getting paranoid and this paranoia drives away his girl. Soon she is needed to dress up as the hostage's fiancé in order to claim his trust fund. This shows her a glimpse of the life she dreams of. I loved the way the characters gradually switched roles, each one at some point is a victim. The tension mounts and the film becomes somewhat chilling. The real horror lies with not only the characters' actions, but their mental states and how they manipulate others, whether through anger, pity, or lust. A terrific movie that grabbed me and exceeded my expectations at every turn.

andyshldn I have been very impressed with the amount of quality movies coming out of Australia in the past 5 years. This movie holds true to the current pattern of Strong acting, keen direction and quality stories.This particular movie has been done before with the hot girl and 2 men fighting over a position of power over her. I was impressed on how the movie built momentum towards a interesting conclusion.The violence and sex were extremely well acted and served a purpose in establishing the nature of the 3 central characters. I think the director followed the formula to a tee and it paid off.I would highly recommend this film to fans of suspense and drama who don't mind a bit of the rough stuff.