SYNOPSIS:
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. His co-worker Elaine, generous with her advice and kind to a fault, encourages Aidan 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 an 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.
It’s nice when a film comes along that unexpectedly blows you away. I was sold within the first minute and sat—unmoving—for the film’s entirety. If there is a word for simultaneously creeped out but still intrigued, it would be accurate here. We Die Alone stars Baker Chase Powell (Dolemite Is My Name), Ashley Jones (True Blood, Bold and the Beautiful) and Samantha Boscarino (The Cheerleader Murders, The Clique). The film was written and directed by Marc Cartwright and is currently doing its festival rounds.
The film addresses various themes; loneliness, relationships, obsession and the like. It seeks to answer what would happen when people who are broken in different yet similar ways cross paths. What would they do? How would they act? What would they do to one another? It is a social commentary on the weirder souls that live among us who try (and perhaps fail) to figure out love, lust, and the desire for companionship.
The film follows Aidan, a socially awkward, slightly creepy introvert who dates mannequins as he is unable to follow through on his actual dates. Aidan is painful to watch; meek, unassuming, socially inept…dangerous. He feels like a string tightened and taut, about to snap. He has a love interest in Elaine, a co-worker whose advances he is oblivious too. He also gives off a strong Norman Bates vibe. Truly some of the best acting I have seen in agess. Powell’s performance is as powerful as it is unsettling.
“Your mouth wants to form the words…that a kiss would explain better…”
Upsetting Aiden’s usual lunacy is Chelsea (Samantha Boscarino), a new neighbour and obsession for our protagonist. Chelsea isn’t like the other girls—she isn’t on social media and likes puzzles. She’s ‘perfect‘. Boscarino, too, nails her role—her character an unflinchingly alternative girl-next-door. Elaine (Ashley Jones) plays the more wholesome sweetheart; the one whose signals our freaky introvert is oblivious to. While I feel that all the cast brought their A-game, Powell absolutely gives an award-winning performance. Jones and Boscarino definitely deserve more than honourable mentions though. Both ladies were stellar–convincing characters portraying genuine emotion, sometimes with a single glance. It was an absolute pleasure to watch.
As good as the acting was, that’s not all that makes a film. Cinematography; amazing. Score; superb. Story; fresh. Characters; captivating. The whole experience was cinematic joy and I really believe that filmmakers and moviegoers alike will remember We Die Alone for years to come. It is a tour de force of introvert intimacy and I loved every second. We Die Alone is coming to Prime Video as well as VOD this coming Friday, August 21st. Save the date and add this to your watchlists. You won’t be disappointed. Thanks for reading and as always, stay sordid. Poster below.
