Story
Louis is released on home detention after serving six years for his involvement in a botched heist. Stuck in suburbia, he fears he is now a sitting duck with his psychotic ex-boss, Prescott, on the hunt for some missing money, and the person responsible.
A few doors away lives Madeleine, a blind woman, once vibrant and outgoing, but now fearful even to step out the front door. As Madeleine takes her first steps to re-connect with the outside world, she meets her new neighbour. Though nervous around new people, and oblivious to Louis’ circumstances, a friendship develops.
A heat wave engulfs the neighbourhood, and things heat up between the two. But Madeleine soon finds herself caught up in Louis' past, and in an impossible predicament: Bound, gagged and alone, while Prescott draws closer and closer...
Themes
Blind Panic starts out as a suburban drama between two characters who are both trapped by their own circumstances. It delves into themes of guilt, power, and survival, and in particular the inner strength Madeleine finds to get herself out of a tough situation.
The film takes a sharp turn into crime thriller territory, while Louis and Madeleine struggle with the decisions they have made. Outside forces only complicate matters as the story roller coasters to a climax.
While filmed in New Zealand, Mark and Matthew wrote Blind Panic as if it has no boundaries - it could take place on any street, in any suburb, in any town. And never far away is Mark and Matthew’s sense of humour.