“Underneath turkey fights, armed Roombas and poorly tied knots, How to Deter a Robber is a story about the pervasive sadness that comes with trying to understand your place in life. Every joke contains a twinge of desperation as each character tries to mask their true feelings with comedy; they are always wearing armor to protect themselves from revealing any vulnerabilities. Bissell creates a unique horror-comedy that isn’t just interested in laughs and scares, but also in looking at the humanity of her characters that truly believe they are trying their best.”
Mary Beth McAndrews
“How to Deter a Robber is just a load of fun and it even has a few big surprises I wouldn’t dream of spoiling. This will be a movie to put on during your holiday festivities. Think of it like an R-rated Home Alone or low-stakes Die Hard.”
Kyle Anderson
“The way this movie presents emotionally moving moments, only to undercut them with self-deprecating jests is a talent that separates this first feature from the many, and lays the groundwork for a highly anticipated sophomore feature.”
Kalyn Corrigan
“It's a movie that doesn't try to be more than what it is, but succeeds very well at what it's trying to do. A fun little hidden gem.”
Angie Han
“How to Deter a Robber is a wonderfully zany and energetic spin on the home invasion formula. It is a memorable debut, and I can’t wait to see what Bissell does next.”
Andrew Stover
“How to Deter A Robber possesses a lot of heart within an otherwise horrifying situation. It is a cinematic gift that keeps on giving, and Bissell knows how to deliver smiles disguised as scares. The holidays can be terrible no matter how many joints you smoke, hodags you conjure, or thieves you encounter, but How to Deter A Robber reminds us that the worst situations can always teach us something positive.”
Marisa Mirabal
“How to Deter a Robber will and should be remembered as the work of a talented, first-time filmmaker, the first in what should be a long career behind the camera.”
Mel Valentin