Villains (2019) - Great fun

'Villains' is a darkly comedic thriller that I thought I wouldn't like during part of the opening act.  It's about a couple of criminals who go on the run after a series of robberies, but end up trying to hide out in another couple's house who may just actually be worse than them.  My main gripe was that I didn't really like any of the characters and therefore couldn't really find anyone to root for.  I'm pleased to say my opinion changed as the film progressed.

What follows is a "cat and mouse" setup and plenty of unexpected turns. Bill Skarsgård and Maika Monroe star as our hapless criminals and they're soon outmatched by a seemingly prim, but secretly twisted, homeowner couple (played brilliantly by Jeffrey Donovan and Kyra Sedgwick).  What makes 'Villains' so enjoyable is the interplay between these two couples, each capable of wielding a mix of innocence and menace that flips the power dynamic constantly. 

Donovan and Sedgwick deliver standout performances, making their characters unnervingly charming yet intimidating, while Skarsgård and Monroe eventually bring a grounded, relatable humanity to their roles, especially when things spiral out of control.  

The "cat and mouse" game between the two warring factions shifts in unpredictable ways, pulling us along with a genuine curiosity about who will ultimately come out on top.  These twists and reasonably short and sharp runtime (especially compared to the average film's runtime these days) actually will keep you guessing until the final scene. 

8/10