He Never Left

Arriving at a run-down motel, a woman prepares for her significant other to appear so they can start a new life together, but as they stay at the motel come to believe that a savage killer from local folklore has taken up residence in the room next door and must try to get away alive.

This was an enjoyable enough effort, but it did have some issues. The biggest factor with this one is the strong setup that provides a great opportunity for this one to go with an intriguing thriller premise throughout. The central premise offering a fine bit of world-building with the backstory on the killer terrorizing the town and going uncaught for years since with them believing that there's a chance he's returned makes for a great setup, much like the resulting storyline about the couple staying at the next-door room. The way they come together with the room being used as a hideout after his fugitive status makes him go on the run and arrive there which sets him off into a panic when everything starts going wrong waiting for a pick-up to get out of the situation as the escalating tension trying to ensure nothing happens to him means that getting involved in the potential murder next door is all handled quite well. Given that this all goes with a strong secondary storyline about the potential killer following the girlfriend to her house as the atmospheric setting and tense stalking give this some great moments. Beyond this, there are some big factors here that come about more from viewers' expectations more than anything. With the setup about the legendary killer supposedly returning from an absence to start up a rampage once again with the setting taking place at the remote motel where the couple going through their own issues at the same time, the potential is there for this to delve into a stalk and slash template knocking off the rest of the motel guests before turning to the remaining couple. Instead, this opts for a thriller route about him trying to evade capture at the location rather than dole out the kind of body count or even slasher setpieces usually associated with the genre and leaves this one with a generally lackluster tone which leaves everything somewhat underwhelming with more focus on these factors that don't lead to the type of content you want. It's what lowers this the most.

Rated Unrated/R: Language and Violence.

This was a blind purchase primarily based on the artwork, granted I did read the synopsis and thought to myself this seemed promising.

Sadly it was not the case, it took a lifetime to get going, I will tip the hat to Colin Cunngham who plays Gabriel, he certainly brought his A game to the proceedings, but I found myself thinking, did his performance belong in another movie.

Strangely the artwork at first glance reminded me of The Town That Dreaded Sundown but as far as thrills and chills go, it was quite a numbing experience and storyline wise it was all over the place.

Proceed with caution.

The best parts of the movie were the fall colors as the car drove through parts of Utah on the way to the motel. Carly has Gabe in the trunk of her car, as Gabe is a very wanted man. Carly pays for three nights at the motel. For almost the rest of the movie we are regaled with a very paranoid driven Gabe, who has to stay out of sight in the room. There are some flashbacks which fill in some of the background. There is some use of jump scares, and also seeing people that are not there. There is a scene where the motel manager tells Gabe that Carly's credit card didn't go through, something about the address being wrong. The last act seems a bit rushed and incoherent. But do stay for the credits, as much is revealed, and it also seems this movie got some crowdfunding. But this movie is best forgotten, and even not viewed.

Witching Season Films has knocked it out of the park with their second feature film He Never Left. I was a fan of the series The Witching Season and their first feature They Live Inside Us. When I saw the Indiegogo campaign I knew I had to back it! That was a couple of years ago and let me tell you it was worth the wait!

The premise deals with Gabe on the run from the law and hides out in a motel in a town where a serial killer known has Pale Face disappeared decades ago. Only, Gabe is not alone in the hotel and Pale Face is making a long awaited return. I'm not giving more than that because you need to watch this!

This movie had everything you could want in a slasher film and while it has a different approach the film never loses its goal which is to give you an emotional and visceral experience.

Everything works on all levels. The filmmakers went to great lengths to give you a movie that feels right at home in your annual Halloween viewing. The cinematography is top notch and the colors just ooze October.

The music is first rate and has that 80's vibe which is always a plus. And it compliments a lot of scenes as well while adding depth of emotion in certain parts.

I could not have been more happier to have watched this!

Seeing the 8, 9, 10 ratings and reviews I couldn't not express my view of this film.

I guess technically it was mediocre. The plot was intrresting and could have worked.

What canceled out any positives were the preposterous breaks in continuity.

Every time the dialog negated what was established moments earlier was physically jarring.

After the 3rd or 4th total break in the established story, I just could not take it anymore.

I stopped to write this half way through.

If you watch this, you will know what I'm talking about assuming you follow what has been established.

Literally mind boggling.