Ashley has been babysitting Luke since he was 8. He is now 12, going on 13. A pre-Christmas dinner takes his parents out, following which a home invasion means that Ashley needs to be unusually resourceful.

This horror-ish movie, with strong elements of black comedy, starts out in utterly predictable mode, with scads of not-very-gracefully orchestrated made-you-jump moments. There is a reason why this film works so hard early on to make you believe that it is a by-rote home invasion movie, and that is because it wants to spring a trap on you.

It won't work for everyone, but it worked for me, and turned this film from something I was expecting to something I really wasn't. And I don't want to say more than that.

If you don't like this sort of movie then there is no reason to expect you will like this one. If, on the other hand, you do enjoy the suspense of home murder movies, but you are fed up with their predictability, then try this one - it may offer you some surprises.

It's the snowy Christmas season in the suburbs. Ashley is hired by the Lerners (Patrick Warburton, Virginia Madsen) to babysit their son Luke. Luke has a crush on Ashley with a plan to seduce her. She's avoiding her boyfriend Ricky. Strange things happen and Luke's irreverent friend Garrett shows up.

The twist is pretty obvious. It does go off on an interesting direction. I really like Ashley and Luke. Ricky is overplayed as a douche-bag. The problem is that it's hard to see Ashley dating that annoying guy. Same goes for the other annoying guy. She must have bad taste in guys which is very disappointing. Garrett should be played more as a dim-wit. He has to submit in a powerless way to Luke which would fit the needed dynamics. Otherwise, he should be as into the craziness of the scheme as Luke. Ashley is good and Luke is great. The boy is doing some great acting. I don't like the other characterizations as much.

Ashley (Olivia DeJonge) on her way to college does a final babysitting gig for Luke (Levi Miller) who is "almost a teen." Luke is seriously crushing on Ashley as he helps defend her in a home break-in that has a wicked twist.

I enjoyed the film, although there was room for improvement. Acting was decent. Most likely won't become a Christmas classic. Has some cultish aspect to it.

Guide: F-word. No sex or nudity.