Dark Descent Into Marital Madness

Read Time:3 Minute, 48 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Not Him
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Genre: Drama, Horror, Short
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 14m
Director(s): Sarah Young
Writer(s): Sarah Young
Cast: Tori Ernst, Charlie McElveen, Katharine Chin, Ryan Nicholas Cooper
Where To Watch: showing at the 2024 Fort Myers Film Fest

RAVING REVIEW: From the moment NOT HIM begins, the viewer is drawn into a foreboding tale that twists the fabric of a once-harmonious marriage into a chilling showdown. The film uses its unsettling opening to hook its audience, setting the stage for a journey that’s as much about the horrors of the mind as those lurking in shadowed corners. There was so much story to fit into 14 minutes, yet the film handled it nearly perfectly.

In NOT HIM, we see a story that crosses between psychological terror and visceral horror, making it a standout in its genre. The storyline follows Michelle (Tori Ernst) as she faces an increasingly different version of her husband, John. Charlie McElveen portrays his transformation from her loving partner to a source of fear with an intensity, whose descent into darkness is shocking and heartbreakingly convincing.

Director Sarah Young, who also penned the script, channels her insights into the dynamics of domestic abuse to lay bare a story that echoes the terror found in other stories of domestic violence we’ve seen on screen. However, NOT HIM brings a fresh perspective by zooming in on the personal crisis of its protagonist, Michelle.

Young’s direction is particularly noticeable in her choice of a raw, handheld filming technique. This choice amplifies the intimacy of this harrowing journey and immerses the audience directly into the chaos unfolding within what used to be the safety of Michelle’s home. Inspired by Young’s nightmare, the haunting opening sets a precedent for a film that blurs the lines between reality and the supernatural, making each scene a tightrope walk of tension.

The cast embodies their roles with a palpable urgency that complements the film’s tight narrative. McElveen, in particular, delivers a complex villain as terrifying as he is enigmatic, adding layers to the film’s antagonist that keep the viewers on edge.

With a modest budget, Young’s use of practical effects lends a core authenticity to NOT HIM, supporting the film’s atmospheric tension without overshadowing the performances that drive the film’s emotional core. These elements come together to tell a story and explore the unnerving possibilities of what might be hiding within the person you trust the most.

As much as NOT HIM is a journey into the depths of horror, it is also a poignant conversation starter on the often-overlooked horrors of domestic violence. It challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable realities within the guise of entertainment, a testament to Young’s ability to weave social commentary into engaging storytelling.

Looking ahead, Young’s ambitious slate includes expanding NOT HIM into a feature and venturing into new territory with her comedy horror series GHOST HOSTS. Her trajectory suggests that a filmmaker is not content with superficial scares but is deeply invested in exploring and expanding the narrative possibilities within the horror genre.

Young’s filmmaking style is marked by her ability to orchestrate suspense and her commitment to infusing her films with social insights. NOT HIM continues a depth trajectory in filmmaking, offering a gripping experience and a meaningful dialogue on the specters of violence that can haunt the most intimate relationships. It’s a film that does more than just scare—it resonates, making it essential viewing for those who crave depth with their dread.

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[photo courtesy of PCB MEDIA INC]

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