No Escape: A bet gone wrong that feels strangely dated

Is it worth your time?

Honestly, only if you have a soft spot for 1930s British crime dramas where everyone speaks with that clipped, urgent tone. If you hate slow-burn setups or characters making the dumbest possible decisions, skip it. You will probably lose your mind within the first twenty minutes.

The whole thing kicks off with a bet. A simple, stupid bet. The kind of thing you’d regret after one pint at the pub. One man hides his friend, the police assume he’s a murderer, and we’re off to the races. It’s not exactly Death on the Diamond in terms of pacing, but it gets the job done if you’re bored.

Oddly specific observations

• The way characters walk into rooms without knocking is weirdly persistent.
• The dialogue feels like it was written on a napkin during a lunch break.
• There is a scene in a hallway that lingers for an eternity, and I think the boom mic dips into the frame for a split second.

It’s funny how these old films treat the police. They just sort of wander into the plot whenever the story needs a little extra pressure. It reminded me a bit of the frantic energy in A Private Scandal, though with significantly less charm.

I found myself staring at the background furniture more than the plot. You can really tell the budget wasn't high. Sometimes the acting feels like they’re trying to shout over a loud train engine, even in a quiet study. It’s charming, I guess? Or just a bit exhausting.

The middle act just sort of sits there. It’s like the movie forgot it had a deadline to resolve the mystery. I kept waiting for a big twist, but it just kind of… happens. It reminds me of the aimless feeling in Half a Man where things move forward, but you aren't sure why.

Ultimately, it’s a relic. Not a masterpiece, but a decent way to kill an hour if you like black-and-white mysteries that don't take themselves too seriously. Just don't expect to be thinking about it tomorrow. 🎥