“No One Will Save You,” Brian Duffield’s latest venture into the world of sci-fi horror, is a tantalizing glimpse into a unique concept that’s brimming with potential. The film takes us on a harrowing journey with Brynn, portrayed with great finesse by Kaitlyn Dever, who is forced to confront her past and unravel the enigma of her solitary existence when her home is invaded by an otherworldly menace.
What sets “No One Will Save You” apart is its audacious decision to rely predominantly on sound rather than dialogue. The film’s first act, focusing on the invasion itself, is a masterclass in tension-building through diegetic sounds. As Brynn stealthily maneuvers through her home to evade the alien intruder, everyday sounds like dial tones and creaky floorboards send shivers down your spine.
Brynn’s intelligence and resourcefulness elevate this sequence, making her a protagonist worth cheering for. She’s not a helpless victim but a fighter who plays her moves with strategy and smarts. Duffield’s astute use of the house’s architecture adds to the fear factor, transforming the familiar into the unsettling. From hidden nooks to eerie, distorted shadows cast through hammered glass, the charming daytime setting devolves into an unsettling realm of dread.
However, as the film progresses, it starts to lose some of its initial magic. “No One Will Save You” begins to resort to clichéd and somewhat gimmicky uses of the alien antagonist, diminishing the fear it initially instilled. Furthermore, the film suffers from a lack of narrative context. While we understand that Brynn is mourning her mother and is ostracized by her community, the reasons behind this alienation remain frustratingly obscure. This lack of clarity makes it challenging to fully empathize with her character.
The film grapples with themes of social alienation, unresolved trauma, and the quest for redemption but fails to give them the depth they deserve. Instead, it often feels like a repetitive cycle of cat-and-mouse sequences with little emotional resonance. “No One Will Save You” lacks a solid anchor, leaving viewers bewildered in the midst of its chaotic narrative.
Kaitlyn Dever’s physical performance is commendable, carrying the weight of the film’s emotional journey with subtlety and grace. She manages to convey a wealth of emotions without relying on words, but sadly, she is often overshadowed by the film’s repetitive alien encounters.
While “No One Will Save You” showcases creative ambition, it falls short in its execution. The captivating premise introduced in the beginning gradually loses its allure, and the film’s lack of context and craftsmanship prevents it from truly capturing the heart. It’s a slow burn that you hope will pick up the pace but ultimately leaves you yearning for more.
For those intrigued by unconventional storytelling and atmospheric tension, “No One Will Save You” is worth a watch on Hulu. Just be prepared for a film that tantalizes with potential but doesn’t quite reach the heights it aspires to.
