Lost in Space: A Review of ‘No One Will Save You’ (2023) Available on Hulu!
No One Will Save You is a 2023 sci-fi horror film directed, written, and produced by Brian Duffield, featuring Kaitlyn Dever (Short Term 12, Booksmart) as Brynn, the lead character. This unique sci-fi cinematic experience captivated audiences with its minimal dialogue, relying on intense sound effects and visual storytelling to convey its narrative.
No One Will Save You revolves around our lead character, Brynn’s isolation in a small town after a tragic incident from her past. The film skilfully explores her life as a recluse, living in an old farmhouse, haunted by her involvement in the accidental death of her friend, Maude. The townspeople have since shunned her, casting her as an outcast in her own community. This backdrop adds layers of complexity as the story unfolds, as it delves into themes of guilt, isolation, and redemption.
The accidental killing of Maude is a pivotal moment in the film, serving as the catalyst for the lead character’s emotional journey. It’s a haunting event that lingers throughout her entire narrative, shaping her actions and decisions as the alien invasion unfolds. Her struggle to come to terms with her past actions and the weight of her guilt is a central element of the film’s emotional depth.
Additionally, the absence of her mother (Lauren L. Murray), who is revealed to be deceased, adds another layer of sorrow to Brynn’s life. This loss further emphasizes her isolation and highlights the emotional stakes at play.
One of the standout moments is when our protagonist ingeniously defends herself against an alien intruder, using a coffee table ornament to deliver a fatal blow. This intense initial scene leaves you on the edge of your seat. The subsequent depiction of the alien’s lifeless body serves as a haunting reminder that she is a fighter and will fend off any home invasion.
The film’s alien invasion sequences are gripping, with the extraterrestrial beings featuring unique designs. While some resemble the traditional image of small ‘little green men,’ others exhibit off-putting, long insect-like appendages that add a needless variety to the aliens but may add to the overall sense of unease in some viewers.
There is an abduction scene where someone gets sucked up into a ‘flying saucer’ via its ray of light. This scene set on the spaceship is visually striking, showcasing the aliens’ telepathic abilities and their power to manipulate objects with rays of light. This dimension of No One Will Save You adds depth to the narrative and enhances the unknown extraterrestrial elements.
As for the ending, it’s bound to be polarizing, with some viewers embracing its dealings with Brynn, while others will be left with questions. Without giving too much away, the conclusion is a thought-provoking finale that leaves a lasting impact.
No One Will Save You is a great modern addition to the sci-fi genre, with a standout performance by Kaitlyn Dever. It is a tense and dialogue-devoid narrative with standard alien designs. While it may not be for everyone, its unique ending is sure to spark discussions among viewers. These intricate layers contribute to the film’s overall richness and depth, making No One Will Save You a compelling exploration of both sci-fi and human dilemma, especially considering 20th Century Studios and Hulu decided to dump this to streaming with no theatrical release.
Directed by: Brian Duffield
Written by: Brian Duffield
Produced by: Brian Duffield, Allan Mandelbaum, Tim White, Trevor White
Cinematography by: Aaron Morton
Editing by: Gabriel Fleming
Music by: Joseph Trapanese
Special Effects by: Amalgamated Dynamics
Cast: Kaitlyn Dever, Elizabeth Kaluev, Zack Duhame, Lauren L. Murray, Evangeline Rose, Dari Lynn Griffin
Year: 2023
Country: USA
Language: English
Colour: Colour
Runtime: 1h 33min
Studio: 20th Century Studios
Distributor: Hulu
