Here Alone

26^th April 2016

Daniel Engelke

Daniel Engelke

26 April 2016

2014 saw a massive Ebola outbreak and 2016 has already seen the growth of the Zika virus. Epidemics are nothing new and understandably make a great antagonist in film. Here Alone, the story of a mysterious virus that turns humans into flesh-craving monsters, is another installment in the post-apocalyptic genre of zombies and virus outbreaks

Ann is alone in the isolated wilderness of upstate New York. Through hard-headed diligence, she has managed to survive in this dangerous place. Her family, on the other hand, was not so lucky. One day Ann notices two strangers, Chris and his step-daughter Olivia. Compassionate, and perhaps a little lonely, Ann offers assistance, but it is difficult to decide who to trust in this dark new world. Even if the strangers prove genuine, how long should they stay at her campsite?

For over a decade, post-apocalyptic film has captivated audiences; indie films like 28 Days Later, Hollywood productions like World War Z and television series like The Walking Dead are notable examples of success. This effect simultaneously expands the market and narrows the possibility of producing original content. Here Alone embraces more of a survival aspect of post-apocalyptic film and uses the “zombie” as a subtle yet foreboding backdrop. Due to this background terror being too conventional, the viewer is forced to seek originality in the main storyline. Unfortunately this angle is dependent on irrational and impractical choices that challenge audience patience.

What is compelling about Here Alone is the protagonist’s ability to survive in the wilderness when deprived of nearly all resources. What does not invigorate interest or entertainment is the film’s reliance on archaic platitudes and hackneyed tactics.

Daniel Engelke

Here Alone does not have a UK release date yet.

Read more of our reviews and interviews from the festival here.

For further information about Tribeca Film Festival 2016 visit here.