Phew! That was a ride, for or better or for worse. I think this film, if it hasn't already, will polarize many horror fans. 'You Are Not Alone' is a first-person indie slasher in the vain of Carpenter and IMO, Cunningham. This is one of the few times I was happy I read numerous reviews before viewing because A.) I had low expectations and B.) I knew that I would be getting practically no real action until almost an hour in. A slow-burn for sure, definitely not a film for the impatient, but I did not find the first half of the movie grueling AT ALL. It was actually very enjoyable watching the characters go about their everyday lives and activities.
The setting is absolutely gorgeous. I don't know if it's because I didn't grow up in a small town/never have really been in one, but I'm enamored by the idea of them. This film feels like a more mature take on the classic town of Haddonfield and I'm pretty sure it's meant to take place in that era. The wide-open, tree-lined streets.. friendly townspeople.. and serene silence, all create a really genuine intimacy. This coziness only increases as we are introduced to more characters in the film, their faces so seemingly close it feels like we experiencing time with them. The story surrounds a young college graduate, who returns to her hometown during 4th of July Weekend. Setting the film during this holidays ends up doing a lot for the overall production. The inclusion of the annual town fair and festivities further establishes the realistic tone of the film.
The biggest critique you will here about this film is that the creators took to long to bring up some thrilling footage. I feel like if you are not the patient-type and disengage too soon, you end up missing out on a lot of really suspenseful build-up. *MILD SPOILER* Like the diner scene with her "Nana" and we get the first mention of the loose-killing spree and curfew. *END SPOILER* I honestly became tense upon hearing that and there are many other moments that mirror that. You've basically got to commit early to really enjoy, but I think that goes for any movie. Had it not been for the extreme amount of character development, from protagonist to supporting characters, it may have just felt like a bobbling head running around/.
Once the action does start going, it GOES. And the killer is very sick, very sociopathic and very sly. The POV does not become distracting and even affords some very well executed chase sequences. There are plenty of horror clichés, most passable, and there was one moment I literally took a break because I did not understand the heroine's logic but overall, this was a good one. It kept me on the edge of my seat. I try not to give much away in my reviews because I don't want to take anything away from the movie. Despite the title... watch it ALONE.. watch it in the dark.. and don't blink.
7/10
