Alone

Movie Trailer

Release Date
September 18, 2020

Genre
Thriller, Horror

Cast & Crew

• Jules Willcox as Jessica
• Marc Menchaca as The Man
• Anthony Heald as Robert

Director
John Hyams

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning (2012)
• All Square (2018)
• Universal Soldier: Regeneration (2009)

Producer
Jordan Foley, Jonathan Rosenthal, Mike Macari, Neal Edelstein

Writer
Matthias Olsson (based on his 2011 Swedish film Gone)

Budget
Estimated at $2 million

Production Company
Mill House Motion Pictures, Paperclip Ltd.

Running Time
98 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Intense violence
• Strong language
• Psychological terror

Movie Story
“Alone” is a taut, nerve-wracking thriller that follows the harrowing journey of Jessica (Jules Willcox), a recently widowed woman who sets out on a road trip to find some solace and distance from her recent past. However, her plans for a quiet journey are abruptly disrupted when she becomes the target of a relentless and menacing man (Marc Menchaca).

The story begins with Jessica driving through the remote wilderness of the Pacific Northwest. Her solitude is soon shattered when she encounters a mysterious man who seems to be following her. What starts as a series of unnerving encounters quickly escalates into a nightmarish game of cat and mouse as the man kidnaps Jessica and holds her captive in a remote cabin deep in the woods.

Jessica, determined to survive, manages to escape her captor, but her ordeal is far from over. The film’s tension ratchets up as she flees through the dense forest, trying to evade the relentless pursuer who knows the terrain far better than she does. The isolated wilderness becomes a secondary antagonist, with its dense trees, treacherous rivers, and unforgiving weather conditions adding to the stakes.

The film’s narrative is straightforward, but it excels in its execution, creating an atmosphere of constant tension and dread. Jessica is portrayed as resourceful and resilient, her determination to survive driving the narrative forward. Her captor, on the other hand, is chillingly calm and calculating, making the psychological terror as potent as the physical threat.

As the chase intensifies, Jessica must dig deep into her reserves of strength and cunning, using every resource at her disposal to outsmart her captor. The film builds to a gripping climax as Jessica confronts her pursuer in a final battle for her life, leading to a resolution that is both satisfying and earned.

Special Effects
“Alone” relies heavily on its natural setting to create suspense, with the vast, unforgiving wilderness playing a crucial role in the film’s tension. The film uses practical effects and minimal CGI, focusing instead on the raw physicality of the chase and the realistic portrayal of violence. The cinematography captures the beauty and danger of the natural environment, with the isolation of the wilderness amplifying the sense of dread.

Box Office Performance
“Alone” was released in select theaters and on-demand platforms, performing well within its limited release scope. The film garnered positive reviews, particularly for its intense atmosphere, tight pacing, and strong performances. It found a receptive audience among thriller and horror fans, becoming a sleeper hit in its genre.

Filming Locations

• Oregon, USA

Notable Quotes

• “It’s a beautiful world. Sometimes it’s just not so beautiful for people.” – The Man
• “You don’t know what it’s like to lose everything… but you’re about to.” – Jessica

Behind-the-Scenes
Director John Hyams is known for his work in action and thriller genres, and “Alone” showcases his ability to build suspense and deliver visceral thrills. The film’s production focused on the authenticity of the chase, with much of the filming done in the rugged outdoors to enhance the realism. Jules Willcox and Marc Menchaca committed fully to their roles, with Willcox performing many of her own stunts to convey Jessica’s physical struggle and resilience.

Awards

• Nominated for a Fangoria Chainsaw Award (Best Limited Release Film)

Final Verdict
“Alone” is an intense and gripping survival thriller that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. With strong performances, particularly from Jules Willcox, and a relentless pace, the film effectively combines psychological terror with raw, physical tension. It’s a must-watch for fans of the thriller genre who appreciate taut storytelling and a strong, resourceful protagonist.

IMDb Rating
6.2/10