Cohabitation (2020) User Reviews

Psycho thriller that does not disappoint.

[scanscapework · 8/10 · 27 August 2022]

WOW what a psychological thriller this is! The roommate from Hell is an understatement. I really enjoyed how the filmmakers show the underlying issues of mental health while incorporating twists into the story that the viewers don't see coming. The acting is great, the story is good, the camera work works and the production value is high for what you would expect from an indie film. If you're looking for something that draws you in and keeps your attention Cohabitation is the movie for you. I give it two thumbs up and recommend this movie.

While former paramedic Emily tries to live a low-key life to cope with her PTSD, her new roommate has other plans--and a long-held vendetta against medical personnel.

fun stuff

[cd2020 · 9/10 · 8 July 2022]

This movie is worth checking out for suspense and good psychological thriller. I liked the lead actress very much. I also found the window into the paramedic's life interesting.

Terrific film

[craigahrens · 9/10 · 15 June 2022]

We really enjoyed this film! I say we because my wife watched it with me. A big compliment for this film is that my wife never got on her phone, lol. We enjoyed the story, the acting and how the film moved along at a nice pace. Bravo folks, you all did well!

Filled with twists and surprising depth

[guylongstreet-00129 · 10/10 · 24 June 2022]

A low budget indie with great tone and a coherent since of its own rhythm. The twists and situations were entertaining with a surprising level of depth and sensitivity in its handling of mental health themes.

Roommate from hell

[marceldorian · 9/10 · 4 July 2022]

This little indie gem is a psychological thriller where our lead must battle not just her own demons but an external one in the shape of a roommate with a twisted agenda. The flashbacks help us understand just how scarred Emily is, but in the same time we understand that beneath the fragility lays a strong person. On the other hand, we have Sarah, the roommate who is quite a mystery. If you enjoyed films like Single White Female and The hand that rocks the cradle, you will love this one.

Entertaining character-driven story with thriller undertones...

[mwcurran · 8/10 · 2 August 2022]

Entertaining character-driven story with thriller undertones about a paramedic who attempts to skirt PTSD by checking out of life but her new roommate with a questionable past has other plans. Interesting vendetta twist. Up and coming filmmaker/writer Lauren Barker keeps things moving and lively in this well-produced microbudget drama.

Watch the company you keep

[kjgblessed · 10/10 · 1 July 2022]

This film was put together very well. It most certainly didn't end the way that I predicted in the beginning. The acting was good. This film touched on a few things that today's society needed light shed on like ptsd. This film has twists and turns. You won't be disappointed.

Bad acting and no surprises.

[roberth-30205 · 4/10 · 20 September 2022]

Please don't waste your time, unless you literally have nothing else to watch. Bad acting and no surprises. We watched the entire movie to figure out our true IMDb ranking. The main character was the best actor and by the end of the movie she made us feel like we could relate. Regardless, I wish more people had already commented on this movie before we invested an evening toward it. The more of us that take a couple minutes just to provide some feedback, will make this platform much better for everybody else. Forget about the other websites out thete, let's stick with IMDB So please make your voice heard and leave feedback.

A look at Grief and Growth

[sowden_jd · 8/10 · 6 July 2022]

I very much enjoyed this film! It really takes a look at someone grieving a loss and trying to get past it. Though, she just can't seem to make ends meet. I love the twist in the story of the main character looking for roommates to help her afford the rent and it leads her down a rabbit hole of dark events. Well done!

New Twist on the "Roommate Thriller"

[briandilorenzofilm · 9/10 · 21 June 2022]

Really dug this flick, a great entry into the "roommates from hell" subgenre - Tiffany Streng stars as Emily, a parademic suffering from PTSD, who is searching for a new roommate. Her anxieties are shown in subtle ways, always bubbling up below the surface, mostly showcased in her interaction with others - weird landlords and prospective roommates. The flashback scenes to a triggering car crash with the paramedics were well done and intriguing. Streng anchors the entire film, able to peel back the layers, like in her sessions with her therapist, where she still hasn't let go of her past trauma. I really enjoyed the character turns for the roommate Sarah, played by Stephanie Rose Quinnell. The dynamic between Emily, Sarah, and Emily's police-detective sister-in-law Heather (Carly D. Anderson) had a great tension to it. Satisfying ending that ties everything together, you'll definitely want to let this one in.

Indie Thriller

[catheraneskillen · 7/10 · 10 June 2022]

There are moments toward the end when clues pile up that bring you to the edge of your seat. The lead, Tiffany Streng, more than just a good actress., opened her soul and let us see her, as did Carly D. Anderson, playing Heather. They made an impact that lasts long after viewing the film.

Was on the edge of my seat

[helmetsandshades · 9/10 · 25 July 2022]

Really glad I took a chance on this. It's a well-made, well-acted thriller that manages plenty of scares and also dives into some real emotional issue with PTSD. It's got thrills AND depth. Bravo to the filmmakers.

Definitely recommend

[jensharp99 · 10 July 2022]

Fun to watch, well made! I recommend highly! It was a nice escape to get involved with the interesting story and rich characters. It's nice to see a thriller that isn't spoiled by forced Hollywood conventions and relies more on the story. Great job.

Really great!

[directortim2012 · 9/10 · 9 June 2022]

This was a terrific thriller! Exciting, with a great story and many excellent plot twists. It reminded me a little of Single White Female from back in the day. Yes, it's a low budget indie. So don't expect exploding cars. But on the plus side, it's so much more naturalistic and believable than many commercial thrillers. I'll take the trade off. This movie was well worth the rental.

Return of the classic revenge thriller!

[bchaffin23 · 8/10 · 19 August 2022]

I live a good revenge thriller. They seem to go in cycles for some reason. If Cohabitation is any clue, they're trending back up! Well plotted, well directed and well acted, this thriller builds its tension in a classic style but with modern elements. Love the detective perspective to go with the lead character's journey. Really enjoyed this one!

Great indie find.

[Tilman-Borck · 9/10 · 3 August 2022]

Impressive indie movie with great acting. Very well directed. It shows the value of independent film-making with an original story far from formulaic Hollywood movies. Highly recommended.

Nice Twist

[BrashaadMayweather · 9/10 · 16 May 2023]

This was not what I was I was expecting and it turned out great. Flicking though films this one looked attractive so I went for it. Right away the film pulls you in because your interested in the unknown of this tragic accident it seems. From there the film actually has a comical side I wasn't expecting. This drew me in more and then all of a sudden a big plot twist and tragedy starts. This film was very well written and I loved the flow of it. I would for sure recommend this film on a possible scary movie night as well, there are some scenes you want to look away. Good film and it has my vote.

A gripping tale that resonates

[ethan_minsker · 9/10 · 17 May 2024]

"Cohabitation" is a gripping tale that resonates with anyone who has navigated the complexities of shared living spaces. Set against the backdrop of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the film not only captures the essence of the city but also delves deep into the psyche of its characters.

Tiffany Streng delivers a stellar performance as Emily Jacobsen, a former paramedic seeking solace from her past traumas. However, her quest for peace is disrupted when she unwittingly invites a roommate harboring a dark vendetta against medical professionals. Streng's portrayal is both poignant and powerful, capturing the emotional turmoil of a woman caught in a web of danger and deceit.

Director and writer Lauren Barker crafts a narrative filled with tension and suspense, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. The pacing is expertly executed, with each twist and turn adding layers of intrigue to the story.

One of the film's standout features is its authentic portrayal of Milwaukee, showcasing local landmarks like the Hi-Fi café. The vibrant setting serves as more than just a backdrop; it becomes a character in its own right, adding depth and richness to the narrative.

As someone who has experienced the highs and lows of roommate dynamics in New York City, "Cohabitation" strikes a chord. It serves as a cautionary tale, reminding audiences of the importance of thorough background checks before inviting strangers into our lives.

"Cohabitation" is a riveting blend of drama and suspense that will leave viewers enthralled. With its compelling storyline, strong performances, and immersive setting, it is a must-watch for anyone craving a cinematic thrill ride.

An effective indie thriller

[baccaruda1 · 7/10 · 10 June 2022]

This one hit a little close to the bone for me. I once had a VERY troublesome roommate, who initially fooled me but quickly revealed her true awfulness, just as this movie reveals with its villainess. Thank goodness she didn't kill anyone (that I know of, anyway). The lead actress had a world weariness in her portrayal, which accurately reflects the attitude of someone who has seen a little too much in her job as a paramedic. Acting overall is good in this one, and overall, production values are solid. There are a welcome twists that add flavor to the rather straight head script, which as a viewer, I appreciated. So if you like thrillers, especially well-done indies, you'll probably enjoy Cohabitation!

Very unique version of a thriller.

[alexjd-06310 · 10/10 · 24 August 2023]

This movie explores a scenario not often looked at. Dealing with real peoples real world problems of having to get roommates, and the characters finding themselves between a rock and a hard place. There is a great dynamic between the characters. A movie that is dealing with human experience and trauma; it separates itself from your average thriller.

This movie has a lot of twists and turns and the ending is really unexpected. Definitely low budget, but the PTSD angle isn't something I've seen included in your typical crazy, killer roommate movie. So it explores a brand new way to look at that sub genre.

Roommate (un)Wanted

[RBIves-202-725352 · 9/10 · 15 May 2023]

No spoilers, but after Emily finds herself needing help to pay the rent, she hits the psycho potential roommate circuit and, as we all know, finding a good fit is never easy. Emily seems to be a magnet for the worst of the worst until she happens upon Sarah, a roommate to good to be true.. Little does she know.....

There's some other character work going on here too. Emily recently left her job as a paramedic because of a particularly traumatic call she went on, brother is planning his wedding and his fiance is a detective following a string of murders potentially related to Emily. I won't go any further except to say, "Sara got some 'splaining to do."

Lots of tension as a web of lies becomes increasingly dicey and Emily is forced to confront her past. Can she untangle the truth before it's too late?

Compelling, psychological thriller

[susanrodgersauthor · 8/10 · 18 July 2023]

PTSD through the eyes of a struggling paramedic, exacerbated by a creepy roommate in a small, claustrophobic apartment, makes for a compelling watch. Perfectly paced, this thriller is a slow burn that delivers. A few unexpected twists and turns lead the viewer down a path that keeps you riveted. The performances were good and I particularly liked the lead, who played a low key, damaged paramedic who was able to summon up hesitant smiles for her brother and his fiance when called for. Cohabitation is more than just a story about a twisted roommate; it's a well-made character driven drama about overcoming mental health obstacles in a world where it's hard to trust.

A suspenseful watch

[thesnarkascending · 9/10 · 12 August 2022]

COHABITATION is a suspenseful, tense film that keeps you riveted. Performances are strong and compelling throughout, and you become invested in the characters very quickly. The drama is thick but not over-the-top, and the film is well put together. Kudos to Lauren Barker and her team for their work. Recommend!

Suspenseful

[idealityentertainment · 10/10 · 27 April 2023]

This movie had suspense and big surprises. I enjoyed the build-up of the unassuming murderer. It was a thriller. The characters were all fully developed, and the story was compelling. If you enjoy murder mysteries that leave you on edge than this is the movie for you. It was unpretentious, and the dialogue was great. It was well casted, well directed, and well produced. It reflected societal issues, such as love, crime, and drama. The humor was organic, and not contrived. I touched on medical terminology and educated the viewer on Paramedic procedures and anatomical methods that pertain to life and death situations.

Solid indie thriller

[pooja-j-patel7 · 9/10 · 4 August 2022]

Cohabitation is a solid little thriller that is worth watching until the very end. And, for me, it's a film that I've probably watch more than once, because it will probably get better each time you watch it. On a side note, the cinematography, direction, and acting is great for such a small film. Well done. I'm looking forward to Lauren Barker's next project, whatever that may be!