Note: I worked on the PR campaign for this film, but this review is unpaid and reflects my honest opinion.
Two Men on the Brink of Collapse
Simon (Jack Quaid) is a mentally ill man. Along with having to deal with his illness and challenges, Simon is often haunted by his past and struggles to even focus on the most straightforward task, given the negative voices he hears in his head. After failing another job interview, Simon is struggling to hold onto any hope in life. At the same time, we are also introduced to another man who faces different challenges. Ed (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) previously worked in security at a local college. Although he’s been stood down from his recent role, he can’t help but linger around and continue to arrest young punks who steal food from the local cafeteria. After capturing a young person red-handed, Ed is advised not to return, or else the police will be involved. On top of this, Ed has various health challenges that he is currently ignoring, and after his recent loss in an online poker round, he is seeking some uplifting change.
An Unlikely Partnership Forms Amid a Disturbing Crime
One day, while walking past an alleyway, Simon witnesses a horrible assault as a woman is attacked by a mysterious man and put in the back of a white van. While Simon witnessed the event, all he could see, given the distance, was the van’s plate and some details of the woman who was captured. Trying to do the right thing, Simon goes to the local police; however, given his current illness and past concerns, the on-duty officers don’t take the matter too seriously and give up quickly. Convinced that what he witnessed was genuine, Simon desperately knocks on the door of his next-door neighbour, Ed. Given Ed’s past work in security, Simon begs for his assistance and explains the situation. Although Ed is initially harsh to Simon, doubting his explanations, he eventually warms up to the idea. He decides to join Simon in his personal investigations, thinking it will give him something fun and interesting to do. Can Simon and Ed work together to uncover the truth behind the kidnapping, or will this pair of misfits fail and get into trouble for sticking their noses into what many would deem serious police business?
Thrills, Drama, and Unintended Comedy
Neighborhood Watch is a thriller and drama film. While it may not have been intended, I also found various moments here quite comedic, particularly in the interactions between the characters, Ed and Simon, who often struggle to work together given their different personalities and personal challenges. The film was directed by Duncan Skiles, who’s best known for The Clovehitch Killer (2018).
Engaging Suspense with a Predictable Yet Satisfying Finale
I found the thriller element to be quite engaging and compelling. We see the kidnapping from Simon’s perspective, which means we can’t fully know the kidnapper’s face, and there are few clues to work with. Despite this, given the small cast, we are left with a tiny list of potential suspects, which leads to predictability. The finale is filled with a few surprises and unexpected reveals, which I enjoyed, and viewers are most certainly left with a feeling that could easily lead them to wish to see what happens next —a wonderful feeling to have.
Standout Chemistry Overshadowed by Weak Supporting Performances
I loved the key leading performances and the character chemistry between actors Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Jack Quaid. The pair offer a mix of comedy and profound, heartfelt moments as Ed does everything he can to assist Simon with the kidnapping and to help him learn to function and cope with his current challenges. Ed is far from being a saint and often enjoys breaking the rules to obtain what he deems is right. Watching him spray suspects in the face with hand sanitiser was also quite hilarious too. Sadly, when it came to additional performances, I was disappointed by the actress’s efforts, which seemed both unnatural and out of place in this film. The lines of dialogue also felt unbelievable.
A Rewarding Thriller Elevated by Strong Leads and Chemistry
Neighbourhood Watch (2025) is now available on DVD and Digital in Australia & New Zealand!
Published: 27th October 2025
Written by: Peter Walkden
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