We Die Alone

An incredible and uncomfortable journey within the quiet life of a timid sociopath. This character thriller borders on horror due to its excellent use of impending dread about what the lead character might eventually do, the likes of which I have rarely seen executed so successfully in short form, but makes classics of feature films like Taxi Driver, Nightcrawler, and Maniac. The excellent slow-burn has its share of unexpected twists, turns, and an explosive third act that had me on the edge of my seat.

Plot

Aidan, a young man crippled by loneliness and insecurity, wants nothing more than to experience love, but he compulsively ghosts any connections he makes through dating sites. Aidan's co-worker Elaine, generous with her advice and kindness to a fault, encourages him to put himself out there -- although, in her heart of hearts, she wishes he would pick up on her feelings for him. Everything changes when Chelsea, beautiful and distant, moves into the apartment across the hall from Aidan's. The two feel an instant connection based on their refusal to engage in social norms, and bond over an unusual hobby. This chance encounter throws Aidan into a spiral of dangerous infatuation that will alter all three of their lives. Touching on themes of loneliness, obsession, and the brutal nature of relationships, We Die Alone assesses the aftermath of what happens when three isolated people with different ideas of love become dangerously entwined.

Cast

Baker Chase Powell and Samantha Boscarino deliver solid performances but I think I'll struggle to see Powell as anything but this character from here on.

Verdict

We Die Alone makes you feel uncomfortable, intentionally. You're witnessing a sad, awkward and desperate young man try to get noticed by the fairer sex but remain oblivious to the girl who actually already does like him. Powell is excellent in this role and walks a perfect line between character you care for and character that makes your skin crawl.

What they did here couldn't have been any more simple but it's competently enough made and with a surprising finale so it's a passable piece that maybe could have benefitted from 10 minutes cut.

Rants

Can we just acknowledge that Powell looks like Leto, probably is ripped to hell and seeing a dude who looks like that be an anxiety ridden awkward mess is like the token "Pretty" ugly girl in most movies who is the plain Jane that is super unpopular but our leading man realizes is pretty after she makes an "Effort" near the end of the film. I'm not saying it doesn't happen, hell he could have a micro-peepee but dudes who look like that don't tend to have trouble finding a date.

The Good

• Kind of sweet
• Solid cast

The Bad

• Too long
• Misses the mark in a couple of places
• Somewhat unrealistic.

We Die Alone is one of those films, however short, gets you invested right from the start. Not sure what to think about Aidan at first but as things unfold you are led on a rollercoaster of surprises that somehow seem familiar at the same time. No spoilers here, but the team behind this film deserve all the accolades received and more! I was fortunate to see this on the big screen at the iHorror Film Festival in Ybor City, FL in October 2019 and after several more watches on VOS since, I still find the story compelling and emotional. Check it out!!!

In profound sense, a beautiful film. About love, deep loneliness, choices, dreams and brutal reality. Admirable twist, wise art to mantain the illusion than you know the story and precise end. Poetic, touching and cold. Short, just admirable.