He Never Left: A sharp and entertaining slasher (spoiler-free review)
As a seasoned gamer and horror movie enthusiast who has survived countless nights in dark basements playing Silent Hill and Friday the 13th, I can confidently say that He Never Left is a must-watch for any slasher fan. The film’s eerie atmosphere, combined with its gripping storyline, had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.
Given the impressive box-office performance of the Terrifier films, now is an ideal moment to focus on independent slasher movies. The film He Never Left, helmed by director James Morris, effectively utilizes its setting and builds the backstory of the Pale Face Killer, a menacing figure who haunts a small town. Morris and his team have skillfully created a gripping 90-minute experience that slasher enthusiasts are sure to appreciate.
Initially, a chilling scene portrays the infamous Pale-Faced Slayer, William McAllister, committing a gruesome murder of a woman in the late 90s. Fast forward to today, and people in the town are mysteriously disappearing, leading to widespread fear that the serial killer might have resurfaced. Consequently, the townsfolk grow eerily silent on the topic, unwilling to discuss it further, even as more and more missing person posters appear throughout the town.
This introduction skillfully introduces the villain’s ominous background and ruthless nature, while creating an atmosphere of palpable fear in the town. Furthermore, the movie takes place during Halloween, and you can spot vintage Halloween decorations in almost every indoor scene. The outdoor shots beautifully capture autumn foliage, making it an ideal choice for a chilling Halloween watch.
From hereon, I find myself immersed in the narrative, where events unfold concurrently. As Colin Cunningham’s character, Gabriel, I’m on the lam, fleeing the long arm of the law after a tragic accident at my old gig took an innocent life. Jessica Staples’ character, Carly, offers me refuge in a humble motel. However, the tranquility is shattered when I start hearing chilling screams and peculiar noises emanating from the room next door.
In a tightly confined and solitary motel environment, the atmosphere proves incredibly impactful. With Gabriel’s visage plastered across every news outlet, he finds himself imprisoned within his room. On the brink of a breaking point, Carly begins to question whether the Pale-Faced Killer is truly taking lives in the adjacent room. Is the terror tormenting Gabriel merely a product of his own imagination, or has the Pale-Faced Killer returned once more?
In their main parts, both Cunningham and Staples deliver commendable performances, with Cunningham particularly shining as he skillfully portrays Gabriel’s vulnerable and progressively solitary condition. The character of Gabriel is haunted by guilt, often catching glimpses of his victim. He struggles to free himself from the specters of his past.
The movie does an exceptional job of portraying the challenging circumstances faced by an ex-convict, as demonstrated by the character Gabriel. Upon leaving prison, he finds himself repeatedly turned down for employment opportunities. The script provides Cunningham with ample material to work with, but it seems that Staples’ character doesn’t receive the same attention or development. I can’t help but wonder why Carly continues to stay with Gabriel given his frequent unpleasant behavior and quick temper. While Staples delivers a convincing performance, her character could have benefited from more complexity.
In the movie, Morris plays the role of Tim, a tenacious police officer who is deeply impacted by the unusual events and is driven to bring justice. The storyline of the law enforcement also introduces additional characters that Gabriel must avoid. The appearance of the killer is kept minimalistic, with a white mask and dark attire. There’s an eerie quality to this outfit, and simplicity can be the most effective choice – just like Michael Myers in the original Halloween.
If you’re in the mood for another independent horror movie, definitely check out “He Never Left“. It’s an engaging, skillfully crafted, and imaginative film that offers intense, high-stakes scenarios for its characters. I can’t wait for a potential sequel!
The movie “He Never Left” is set to hit theaters for a brief run beginning on November 1. After that, it will be available for video-on-demand viewing starting November 5.
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2024-11-01 15:25