Duncan Skiles’ new film, Neighborhood Watch, arrives in US theatres and on demand from Friday the 25th April. The film, which stars man of the moment Jack Quaid, and Jeffrey Dean Morgan, is a crime thriller that also works as a great exploration and representation of male friendships and mental health. Discussing mental health is still stigmatised and this is especially true for issues affecting men. However, with Neighborhood Watch, Duncan Skiles shines a spotlight on these issues whilst also presenting an intriguing crime mystery.
In Neighborhood Watch, Simon (Jack Quaid), a young man grappling with mental illness, becomes convinced that he has witnessed an abduction. When he reports it to the police and they refuse to believe him, he reluctantly seeks the help of his neighbor, Ed (Jeffery Dean Morgan), a jaded, retired security guard with his own troubled past. As the unlikely duo delves deeper into the mystery, their pursuit of the truth forces them to confront, not only the dark secrets surrounding the disappearance, but also the unspoken wounds that haunt them both.
With Neighborhood Watch, Duncan Skiles has perfectly communicated Sean Farley’s script, with both Jack Quaid and Jeffrey Dean Morgan doing exceptional work. The duo are perhaps better known for their quip-heavy comedic roles, which Neighborhood Watch dials back. Their performances are more subdued and beautifully bring this pair of broken men together.
Prior to Neighborhood Watch’s release, we were able to speak with director Duncan Skiles about the film. Our discussion dives into the reason he connected to Sean Farley’s script, working with Jack Quaid and Jeffrey Dean Morgan, the evergreen properties of his previous movie, The Clovehitch Killer, and why he’s sticking with a true crime style story for his next feature.
Neighborhood Watch is released in US theaters and on demand on 25th April 2025.
