Brian Duffield’s latest offering, “No One Will Save You,” takes the audience on a journey into the realm of sci-fi horror, promising much potential. Starring Kaitlyn Dever as Brynn, the film explores isolation, unearthly creatures, and the quest for redemption. While it’s a creative endeavor with commendable aspects, it falls short of reaching greatness.
The film’s standout feature is its unique approach to storytelling. It relies heavily on sound rather than dialogue, immersing the audience in an eerie atmosphere. The initial invasion scene is particularly gripping, with everyday sounds like dial tones and creaky floorboards creating palpable tension. Brynn’s intelligence and resourcefulness make her a compelling protagonist, one you can genuinely root for.
Duffield’s use of the house’s architecture adds another layer of fear and tension. The once-charming home transforms into a source of dread, with cleverly placed shadows and distorted imagery. However, as the film progresses, it loses some of its initial brilliance. The alien encounters start to feel gimmicky, and the fear they initially instilled gives way to indifference.
One of the film’s main shortcomings is its lack of narrative context. While Brynn is mourning her mother and facing social isolation, the reasons behind her community’s treatment of her remain elusive. The film fails to provide sufficient insight into her past, making it challenging to fully empathize with her struggles. Instead, it leans into repetitive cat-and-mouse sequences that lack clarity.
“No One Will Save You” struggles to find a solid footing, with its themes of social alienation and unresolved trauma getting lost in a chaotic narrative. The slow-burn approach is admirable, but it often feels like the film is dragging its feet. Kaitlyn Dever’s physical performance is commendable, conveying emotions without words. Still, she is overshadowed by the film’s relentless focus on repetitive alien encounters.
While the film’s creative intentions are noteworthy, its execution leaves much to be desired. Any background information that does eventually surface feels belated and insufficient. The film fails to maintain the creative spark of its initial premise, leaving it wanting for more depth and context. “No One Will Save You” aspires to be an existential sci-fi thriller but falls short due to its lack of narrative clarity and craftsmanship. It’s a film worth watching for its potential, but it ultimately doesn’t quite reach the heights it aims for.
