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Netflix’s new thriller, Don’t Move, might look familiar to some viewers, thanks to its intriguing settings and familiar faces. Produced by Sam Raimi, known for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, the film stars Kelsey Asbille as Iris, a mother grappling with the heartbreaking loss of her young son. The plot thickens when a serial killer, played by Finn Wittrock, targets her. After he injects her with a paralytic drug, Iris must fight for her life and escape before she can’t move at all. This nail-biting thriller was released on Netflix on October 25, 2024.
Where was Don’t Move filmed?
Seaside, California One of the first places we see in Don’t Move is Iris’ home, which is set in a wealthy suburban neighborhood. In reality, this house is located in Seaside, California, close to Sea Ridge Ct, and overlooks the beautiful Monterey Bay. As its name suggests, the area is near the ocean and boasts stunning coastal views. However, the story quickly moves away from Iris’ house, diving into the wild outdoors.
Bixby Creek Bridge, Monterey, California Another notable location is the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge in Monterey. This stunning arch bridge is famous for its breathtaking architecture and scenic coastal views. It has appeared in various films and TV shows over the years, with Big Little Lies being one of the most notable. In Don’t Move, the bridge is briefly seen as Iris drives along the coast at the film’s start.
Massey Bi Sur State Park (Fictional Location Shot in Bulgaria) As the story unfolds, Iris arrives at a fictional park called Massey Bi Sur State Park, where her son tragically passed away during a family hike. This fictional park is meant to resemble Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, renowned for its beautiful wilderness along the Big Sur River and often referred to as a “mini Yosemite.” The actual Pfeiffer Big Sur Park is located in Monterey County, California, close to where Iris’ home was filmed.
Zlatnite Mostove, Bulgaria Interestingly, while many locations in the movie are designed to evoke the California wilderness, most of the filming took place in Bulgaria. One such spot is Zlatnite Mostove, known for its massive stone river located on Vitosha Mountain. This picturesque area serves as the backdrop for a key scene where Iris crosses a river of boulders during her journey.
Belogradchik Fortress, Bulgaria Iris’ journey leads her to a mountain where her son’s tribute is located. At this breathtaking site, she encounters Richard (Wittrock) and forms a bond with him—before discovering he is the killer. This striking location is the Belogradchik Fortress, a historic tourist site in Bulgaria’s Vidin Province that spans nearly 110,000 feet. It provides a dramatic setting for the film’s climax.
Sofia, Bulgaria Most of the action in Don’t Move takes place in remote wilderness areas, as Richard tries to transport the incapacitated Iris from the park to his secluded cabin. Many of these wild shots were filmed around Sofia, Bulgaria, where the film’s co-directors, Adam Schindler and Brian Netto, shared updates about the stunning landscapes, including vast lakes and forest-covered mountains.
In recent years, Bulgaria has become a favored location for Hollywood productions, with films like The Expendables and Barbarian taking advantage of its diverse scenery. Now, Don’t Move proves that Bulgaria can effectively double for the rugged wilderness of California as well.
You can catch Don’t Move streaming on Netflix now!
