He Never Left

This is not a slasher...it is something more. It is a fantastic character study, executed with a stylish sense of filmmaking whilst bathed in Halloweentime ambience. The writing and presentation recall a time when horror films (thrillers, if you prefer) were just as much about mystery and intrigue as they were about shock and schlock. He Never Left has all of this to offer in spades, plus a few surprises along the way. The wonderful Witching Season Films family never fails to impress, with James Morris masterfully manifesting the macabre mise-en-scène both behind and in front of the camera, beside Michael Ballif, who poignantly paints each frame in dual roles as cinematographer and editor and never allows the same motel setting to get stale. Randin Graves' score is composed with as much compelling, calculating complexity as the performances from Jessica Staples and Colin Cunningham who evoke unrelenting empathy as David McMahon and Charla Bocchicchio meanwhile offer quiet quirkiness to round out a truly classy cast. Also true is that this film may not go the way you want or expect, but it stands currently as an antithetical to so many of its contemporaries in the zeitgeist and if it doesn't find massive success now, it will certainly find a cult of its own in due time.

This is really good. I was pleasantly surprised. The writing is not bad.

The main character is troubled and having flashbacks. Police are looking for him for grand theft auto and a hit and run. Maybe more? His friend Carly is helping him get the hotel and food, but she is not staying with him as she has her own life.

He is waiting for someone to arrange things for him-waiting patiently in the seedy motel. It will take some time. He hears a woman screaming in the room next door. He tells Carly about what he heard when she brings him breakfast and she admonishes him for not helping, but what can he do?

Things quickly go from bad to worse very fast. Not just at the hotel, but for Carly too.

Starting with the opening shots, you can tell right away that the cinematography is such an important element to the movie, and it is. I've followed Witching Season Films for a while now and their ability to capture the moody Autumn and Halloween nostalgia is really like no other. The soundtrack is wonderful, which is another thing I appreciate in their storytelling.

Acting was everything I'd been hearing about and more. After seeing so many good things about the acting, I had high expectations. The scale of emotions that the two leads exhibit feels natural and real, not too dramatic unless the scene really calls for it. Casting was very well done and the actors really make this an easy watch.

As I've learned from past works, expect the unexpected. Though I guessed part of it correctly, I was caught off guard for some of it, in a good way. Without revealing any spoilers, I feel it was done well and even if some of it was very surprising, I feel that the surprises didn't "take" anything from the story, but rather added to it and I found the ending quite enjoyable.

Gore, mystery, a legendary killer, an old motel, and even a few minor supernatural elements; this is a fresh take on a niche of horror that I fully enjoyed.

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.

In a town that's plagued by the memories of a killer in a mysterious pale mask, the setting takes place primarily in a small motel, where a wanted criminal has decided to post up from the police. Quickly you find out that not all is right in this motel as things begin to reveal themselves.

Actors give a solid performance that helps sell the uncomfortable uncertainty of this modern slasher.

The color grading, as well as the Halloween aesthetic, make for the perfect setting during the spooky season but doesn't limit this to a seasonal watch.

Simply, this was a beautifully shot, well acted, thrill ride.