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
• Jonathan Rosenthal as Eric

Director
John Hyams

Other Movies Director is Known For

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

Producer

• Jordan Foley
• Mike Macari
• Jonathan Rosenthal
• Andrew Wilson

Writer

• Mattias Olsson (based on the Swedish film “Gone”)

Budget
Estimated at $2 million

Production Company

• Magnet Releasing
• Mill House Motion Pictures
• Paperclip Limited

Running Time
98 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Intense violence
• Perilous situations
• Strong language

Movie Story
“Alone” is an intense survival thriller that centers on Jessica (Jules Willcox), a recently widowed woman who decides to leave her old life behind and embark on a journey to start anew. As she drives through the remote Pacific Northwest, her solitary road trip takes a terrifying turn when she becomes the target of a relentless and dangerous predator known only as “The Man” (Marc Menchaca).

The film begins with Jessica’s attempt to cope with her grief and trauma by isolating herself from the world. However, her plans for solitude are shattered when she encounters The Man, who begins to stalk her. What starts as an unsettling encounter quickly escalates into a deadly game of cat and mouse. Jessica is abducted and taken to a secluded cabin deep in the woods, where she must summon all her strength and wits to escape.

“Alone” is a gripping thriller that focuses on Jessica’s harrowing fight for survival. The film explores themes of resilience, determination, and the primal instinct to survive in the face of overwhelming danger. As Jessica fights to free herself and evade her captor, the film builds tension through its minimalist approach, relying on the performances of its leads and the stark, unforgiving wilderness setting to create a sense of dread and urgency.

Special Effects
The film’s special effects are minimal, with the focus instead on creating realistic, high-stakes tension. The practical effects, particularly during the action and escape sequences, are executed with precision, enhancing the realism of Jessica’s struggle. The use of natural lighting and the isolation of the forest setting contribute to the film’s haunting atmosphere, making the wilderness itself a character in the story.

Box Office Performance
“Alone” was released during the COVID-19 pandemic and had a limited theatrical release before becoming available on digital platforms. Despite the challenges of its release, the film was well-received by critics and audiences, praised for its tight pacing, strong performances, and effective use of suspense. The film became a sleeper hit on streaming platforms, particularly among fans of the thriller genre.

Filming Locations

• Portland, Oregon, USA
• Kalama, Washington, USA

Notable Quotes

• “You don’t have to do this. You don’t have to hurt me.” – Jessica
• “You’re not the first. You won’t be the last.” – The Man

Behind-the-Scenes
“Alone” is based on the 2011 Swedish film “Gone” (Försvunnen), written and directed by Mattias Olsson, who also wrote the screenplay for the American adaptation. Director John Hyams approached the material with a focus on creating a stripped-down, intense survival story that places the audience directly in Jessica’s shoes. The film’s tension is maintained through its tight editing and the use of long, unbroken takes that heighten the realism of Jessica’s ordeal.

Awards

• None, though the film received critical acclaim for its direction and performances, particularly for Jules Willcox’s portrayal of Jessica.

Final Verdict
“Alone” is a tense and effective survival thriller that showcases the strength of its lead performance and the skillful direction of John Hyams. The film’s simplicity is its strength, creating a claustrophobic and harrowing experience that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. While it may not reinvent the genre, “Alone” is a well-crafted thriller that delivers on its promise of suspense and intensity. It’s a must-watch for fans of survival stories and psychological thrillers.

IMDb Rating
6.2/10