A controversial Samuel L Jackson thriller has rocketed into Netflix's top 10 most-watched films, only to be met with a wave of criticism from subscribers urging others to avoid it.
A Divisive Thriller Climbs the Charts
The film in question is 'Lakeview Terrace', a 2008 release starring the Hollywood icon, which has surged to the number seven position on the platform's UK chart this week. Despite its popularity, the movie's arrival has been greeted with a chorus of disapproval from viewers who label it a poor use of their streaming time.
Jackson portrays Abel Turner, an unhinged Los Angeles police officer whose carefully controlled world unravels when an interracial couple, played by Kerry Washington and Patrick Wilson, move in next door. Turner, acting as a self-appointed neighbourhood watchdog, begins a campaign of passive-aggressive harassment against the newlyweds, which escalates dramatically when they decide to fight back.
Scathing Reviews and a Defence of the Film
The critical reception for Lakeview Terrace has never been strong. It currently holds a disappointing 44% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes, with the general audience rating even lower at 39%. Many of the new wave of Netflix viewers seem to agree with the original assessment.
One disgruntled viewer on the review site stated the writing was terrible, confessing they turned the film off with an hour remaining because it felt "too phony and stupid." Another echoed the sentiment more bluntly, calling it "a pure example of ‘good actors don't make a good film’" and a "complete waste of time." A common complaint centred on the plot, which some felt started with a legitimate provocative idea but spiralled into silliness, undermining its own tension.
However, the film is not without its defenders. Some viewers on IMDb have praised it as an "excellent thriller" that keeps you watching, highlighting Jackson's "awesome" and "creepy" performance. One fan awarded it a 10/10, calling it "exhilarating" with an "edgy and intense" conclusion, and even boldly claimed it might be the actor's best work. They argued the moral ambiguity of the characters creates engaging confusion about who to side with.
To Stream or to Skip?
The resurgence of Lakeview Terrace on Netflix presents a classic streaming dilemma. The film boasts a stellar cast and a high-concept premise that clearly still attracts audiences, as evidenced by its chart success. Yet, a significant portion of those who press play are leaving vehement warnings for others.
The polarising nature of the thriller means it ultimately falls to individual viewers to decide if they want to experience Samuel L Jackson's intense performance and the film's tense neighbourhood feud for themselves, or heed the advice of many and give it a wide berth. 'Lakeview Terrace' is available to stream on Netflix now.
