Review of Alone With Her (2006) by Timothy S — 01 Jun 2011

Most people can do without the growing popularity of the "shaky cam" made popular by films like "The Blair Witch Project" and "Cloverfield" because they can be so difficult to watch. "Alone With Her" is an unique and novel new twist on that trend as the whole thing is shot through hidden cameras. The end result is a supremely clever and extremely creepy new thriller that is so effective because it's so plausible. It's a simple story with two effective leads in Colin Hanks and Ana Claudia Talancon, two young actors who have both been around and working for years. Neither of them have been in such a good project. They seem like real nice people, and that is totally key to the film's success.

The movie gets under your skin, but it avoids all of the gratuitous gore and ugliness that is so prevalent in horror films today. The movie is voyeuristic to the point of being uncomfortable, but it's unique style grabs you from the beginning and quickly sucks you into the film. It never lets up.

Director Eric Nicholas doesn't have a lot to do for the most part, but the imagination and inventiveness that he's shown in his debut feature makes me anxious to see what he'll do for a follow-up. This is not a violent film, but it almost dares you to keep watching, and there are times when that is not at all easy to do.

"Alone With Her" is made all the more effective because it's so real. Guys like Hanks' character exist all over, and that fact gives this disturbing and chilling movie all the gas it needs. You won't soon forget this one.