You Won't Be Alone (2022) (Noomi Rapace, Alice Englert)

[Kane52630]

 

[Asr]

Didn't know before this movie had its own thread. Came to post that it recently became available for streaming on Peacock.

I saw the movie last month when it was very briefly available at a local indie theater. Posted my thoughts here: The Northman

But I'll re-post here anyway:

So many non-spoiler things that I could write about it - overall just really well-done and very well-directed. Kinda felt like an Eggers movie in historical authenticity and atmosphere - all of the dialog was subtitled, with everyone speaking in an unknown language in an unknown time (nothing was shown on-screen to indicate the time or place, I had to use Google to find that out), and it felt like a subtle horrific drama, if that makes any sense. Slower and deliberate pacing, with none of the traditional Americanized horror movie cliches. Very stripped-down tone & feel, with a highly unusual attention to humanizing the "villain" characters as well - so much in fact, that the "villains" practically didn't feel like villains.

Although it's not really Eggers' The Witch in terms of story or cinematography (the vast majority of the movie is set in brightly-lit outdoor scenes during the day) and isn't really as "dramatic" as it could've been (it has a consistently subtle / solemn / serious tone with very few changes in dramatic intensity), that's the closest parallel I can think of, although it's not all that close. It also reminded me of The Nightingale 2018 in its directness of immersing the viewer into a natural and realistic yet frightening time & place.

It's one of the rare movies I'd have to rewatch to give a fairer score, but offhand I'd rate it at least 8/10 (could go higher on a rewatch).

Btw Noomi Rapace actually isn't in it very much either, if you might be watching for her. Not that I timed it, but I'd guess 10 minutes tops?

This article has what I'd call minor spoilers if you want to know more about the plot: Life through a witch’s eyes in ‘You Won’t Be Alone’ » Borneo Bulletin Online

To add to my previous thoughts, especially after seeing The Northman, I think You Won't Be Alone could very well find its own cult fanbase in time. This was easily one of the most unforgettable movies that I've seen. Much like The Nightingale from 2018 did for me, it just hit me on another level in how frightening yet "normal" it felt, but totally not in the traditional sense that most horror movies do.

I'm guessing this will remain one of my favorites of the year for sure, and probably remain an all-time horror genre favorite for me as well.

Also I heard from folks at the theater I went to that this was like a cross between Robert Eggers and Terrence Malick. I've never seen a Terrence Malick movie before so I can't speak to that personally, but it definitely had some Eggers in its style, as I mentioned.