I've seen this film many times, but what struck me most during this re-watch was the tension. From the almost inaudible scream of a distant child in the opening to the absence of a barking dog a few scenes later, this movie is just a masterclass in injecting tension in creative ways. The idea that one of the most tense scenes in the film is a sequence where a man watches news footage in a closet is incredible. Of course, you can't talk about this film's tension without heaping praise on the soundtrack, which is equal parts memorable and disquieting. Just brilliant work from James Newton Howard. I'd also point out that the movie knows how and when to give the audience moments of tension release, sprinkling in the perfect amount of humor throughout.

But tension only gets you so far. This movie ultimately succeeds because the tension is in service of a tightly written story with compelling characters brought to life by brilliant performances. There's not a line of dialogue wasted. Even the most minor characters are memorable additions (i.e. Tracey Abernathy with her confession of cursing or Mr. Nathan with his soda commercial conspiracy). And while I will acknowledge that the final act does move a bit quick to set up its big payoff, I'd argue that the payoff is worth it.