An isolated man living at the back of a desolate caravan park is visited by a desperate young woman seeking shelter from a violent storm. As the savage storm worsens, these solitary souls begin to feel threatened – but who should really be afraid?
Written by Indianna Bell and directed by Josiah Allen and Indianna Bell, You’ll Never Find Me stars the talents of Brendan Rock and Jordan Cowan as Patrick and The Visitor respectively. The film has already won a “Best Feature” nomination and two Best Sound and Best Musical Score awards.
You’ll Never Find Me can best be described as a minimalist horror. It is one of those films that dares to do big things with a tiny cast of two and a single set. These kinds of films are always rather ambitious as their success or failure ultimately comes down to the script and the chemistry between the cast. With so few moving parts, there isn’t much leeway for mistakes in any department. Thankfully, You’ll Never Find Me mostly succeeds.
I say mostly because while the film succeeds at being a pretty solid thriller with a fresh concept, it’s not all that scary as a horror film. That does not mean I enjoyed the production any less; You’ll Never Find Me is a wild ride. The film is a smorgasbord of tense moments, trippy cinematography, and fever-dream scenery. It also pacts a twist ending that some may find a little perplexing.
The highlight for me though was the performances by Rock and Cowan. Both actors completely nail their respective roles, fully immersing themselves within their characters. The casting director needs a gold star. Rock’s polite but unhinged sociopath plays perfectly off of Cowan’s cold and unsure visitor. The two dance around each other while trying to poke holes in their stories. As both dawn on realisations that lead to the film’s climactic last act, things become equally clearer and increasingly complex. With each revelation comes a little more madness and that is where the film really shines.
This revelation in madness may also be–for some–the film’s weakness as well. It is difficult at the end to tell fantasy from reality or past from present. While I did manage to piece the parts together and understand the premise as a whole, it may be a little much for someone looking for a more casual horror experience. This is a dark film with a morbid nature and depressing themes. It is an intelligent film and one that tries to be unique in its approach to telling that story.
I had a great time with You’ll Never Find Me. The film had me hooked from the start and it kept me engaged with interesting characters impeccably acted. The format was fresh and the script was tight and without wasted conversation. You’ll Never Find Me is heading to Shudder this Friday, March 22nd. Thanks for reading and as always, stay sordid. The trailer and artwork are posted below.
Poster for Josiah Allen and Indianna Bell’s YOU’LL NEVER FIND ME
