MOVIE REVIEW
New Life
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Genre: Horror, Thriller
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 24m
Director(s): John Rosman
Writer(s): John Rosman
Cast: Sonya Walger, Hayley Erin, Tony Amendola
Where To Watch: in select theaters and on demand May 3, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: NEW LIFE immediately ensnares the audience, thrusting us into an urgent narrative that contrasts stark wilderness with intimate human conflict. Director John Rosman delivers a thought-provoking thriller that explores the depths of personal and collective survival, set against the relentless backdrop of the Canadian wilds. Unfortunately, the film's pacing held it back for me; it didn't flow well at only an hour and twenty-four minutes.

This film introduces us to Jess, portrayed with intensity by Hayley Erin, a woman trapped by her past and desperate to elude a deadly future. In a parallel struggle, Sonya Walger's Elsa, a seasoned tracker battling ALS, confronts her potentially final mission with a profound mix of dread and resolve. The plot thickens with Tony Amendola’s portrayal of Raymond, the enigmatic man behind the curtain of Elsa’s pursuit, adding intrigue to the story.

The tension in NEW LIFE is palpable from the get-go, as Jess's escape reveals her as the carrier of a lethal virus. Her frantic bid for freedom becomes a desperate race against the clock, set to the grim cadence of Elsa's worsening condition, which adds a somber urgency to the unfolding drama. The film plays off the idea of the pandemic era of life we all struggled through, yet I just couldn’t help but feel like something was missing. I wasn’t able to ever really figure out what exactly it was.

Rosman balances high-octane chase scenes with reflective moments that delve into his characters' psyches. Jess and Elsa are depicted as prisoners of their respective circumstances, highlighting themes of freedom, confinement, and the human spirit’s resilience. I think most of this was due to the constrained budget, but ultimately, it was the right move; this film needed to be an intimate portrait, not a giant action film.

The cinematography of NEW LIFE leaves a lasting impact. It captures the expansive wilderness with the same meticulous detail as the confined spaces where much tension builds. This visual strategy enhances the film’s exploration of entrapment and liberation.

Supporting performances by Ayanna Berkshire and Blaine Palmer bring additional depth to the narrative, offering Jess moments of fleeting warmth and humanity amid her chilling ordeal. Their roles underscore the complex web of human emotions and relationships at the story's heart.

Rosman's screenplay is a well-crafted mix of suspense and subtlety. It steers clear of overt exposition to favor a narrative that unfolds slightly differently than expected. Flashbacks allow the story’s intricacies to resonate effectively, ensuring the plot remains engaging without becoming overwhelming. NEW LIFE does an interesting job addressing broader societal issues, such as pandemics and isolation, reflecting on the enduring human spirit in times of global crisis. 

NEW LIFE is a cinematic exploration of survival, capturing the essence of human tenacity and the paradoxes of freedom. With some strong performances by Erin and Walger, the film entertains and provokes thought, making it a compelling watch. Rosman’s directorial debut promises some potential, showcasing his ability to weave meaningful themes into engaging narratives. This film is not just a journey through the wild—it's a deep dive into what it means to fight for one's life against all odds.

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[photo courtesy of BRAINSTORM MEDIA]

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