No One Gets Out Alive

No One Gets Out Alive is a thrilling horror movie from Netflix released in 2021, featuring an impressive cast including Phil Robertson, Joana Borja, and Victoria Alcock. The movie takes its name from the Adam Nevill novel, but it deviates in storytelling by creating its own independent plot, thereby coaxing viewers into an inventive and unique venture.

The film takes the route less traveled in the horror genre, veering away from generic jump scares and predictable storylines towards exploring the elaborate psychological facets of fear. It masterfully blends elements of paranormal horror with complex human emotions to create a cinematic experience that haunts the viewer long after the credits roll.

The story focuses on Ambar (Joana Borja), a young woman who, following some personal upheaval, shifts to a decrepit boarding house in Cleveland. Ambar, an immigrant trying to navigate life in the United States, is portrayed with great intensity and depth by Borja. Estranged, alone, and grappling with distressing nightmares and hallucinations, she finds herself at the center of horrifying events that seem inexplicably connected to the house she inhabits.

The acting of the lead cast is exceptional and allows audiences to fully engross in the narrative. Phil Robertson delivers an impressive performance, while Victoria Alcock’s convincing portrayal of Red, an intriguing and important character, adds an extra dimension of complexity to the plot.

The movie stands out due to its atmospheric horror, where the dread is quiet but omnipresent. Pinpointing fear in the ordinary, No One Gets Out Alive employs the prowess of both the cast and the team behind the camera to delve into what makes humans fear the unknown. Rather than relying on gore or violence, it slowly builds an atmosphere of dread and despair. The setting acts as a character in itself and echoes the overarching theme quite vividly.

The cinematography and set designs are second to none and give life to the movie, making it visually captivating. The scenes and shots are thoughtfully curated, contributing a lot to the overall moodiness of the movie. Its use of light and shadows, tilted close-ups, and the visually disturbing imagery sync beautifully with the rest of the elements, adding layers to the scary sequences.

The film’s exploration of themes like loneliness, vulnerability, isolation, and fear also strikes a chord. It dives into the immigrant experience, making the narrative even more unsettling by touching on social discrimination, prejudice, and vulnerability in a foreign land.

Moreover, the sound design bolsters the building suspense throughout the story. An impressive score by folk horror specialist, David Garcia Diaz, further enhances the dark and eerie atmosphere. This proves instrumental in juxtaposing the supernatural elements and thereby, increasing the overall anxiety-inducing factor.

The director, Santiago Menghini, deserves applause for the delicate handling of the subject matter. He skillfully navigates the complexities of the storyline, maintaining a fine balance between the paranormal and psychological elements. Menghini’s distinct storytelling style woven around a rich, thought-provoking narrative goes beyond the typical horror genre offering.

Nevertheless, viewers who seek a fast-paced horror flick might find the narrative a little slow. The film invests time in building characters and plotlines with a few scares dispersed throughout, favoring a creepier and more intense narrative.

In summary, No One Gets Out Alive is a horror film that excels in its unconventional approach towards delivering chills. It showcases an excellent blend of believable performances, atmospheric horror, brilliant set design, and sound. Its thoughtful exploration of societal themes intertwined with supernatural elements gives it a uniquely eerie and emotional appeal, making it a must-watch for horror and film enthusiasts alike.