You ever have a fancy meal that you can appreciate but it's just not what the doctor ordered? That's how You Won't be Alone left me feeling. It's a beautiful film, that is about witches, and life and other stuff. It's not really a horror movie, even though it's about witches, so if that makes no sense, I can't help you much. I'm not mad at this movie for trying to be something bigger than it is, but I think I'll stick to the tried and true horror tropes instead.
120 Reviews
Non-traditional horror
sgriff225558 April 2022
Amazingly enough I saw this film at a local AMC during its limited run. This film is very much a cross between The Witch (2015) and Under the Skin (2013). It is very slow moving and methodical but follows a coherent plot. A very visual film and though it has a narrator there isn't as much as emphasis on dialogue. If you enjoy folklore, A24 type horror films then this is worth your time. This film has a very narrow audience and will not appeal to many people. You have been warned.
dressed in corpses
ferguson-631 March 2022
Greetings again from the darkness. Perhaps you are a normal movie lover and have never wondered what it might be like if director Terrence Malick delved into the horror genre. Well, the first feature film from writer-director Goran Stolevski gives every indication that he has spent entirely too much time with such thoughts. This arthouse folk horror film will likely frustrate many with its unconventional approach, odd narrative, and spiritual narration that hardly contributes to the characters in the story.
Opening in a remote mountain village in 19th century Macedonia, we witness a 'Wolf-eatress" witch named 'Old Maid Maria' (Anamarie Marinca; 4 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AND 2 DAYS, 2007) visiting a mother (Kamka Tocinovski) and her newborn baby. It turns out Maria has a taste for newborn blood, but the mother negotiates a deal which would allow her to raise her daughter Nevena until Maria takes her in teen years. The child is then hidden away in a cave, isolated for years and mostly feral when Maria returns. Teenage Nevena (Sara Klimoska) knows nothing of the outside world and sets out on her journey of life lessons, guided by Maria, a witch who may or may not have her best interests at heart.
Shape-shifting, or assuming the form of their victims is a trait that Maria passes along to her protégé. This process is quick and brutal, and we see it played out along the way as Nevena takes over a local mother (Noomi Rapace), so as to get a taste of normalcy, a wolf (just because?), a man (Carlota Cota) so as to absorb power and experience sex, and a young woman (Alice Englert) in order to give birth to a child. This shape-shifting is referred in the movie as "dressed in corpse", which is a spot-on description. The Wolf-eatress follows closely, but does give her new daughter the space to explore humans, though Maria does not share the appeal.
There are some excellent scenes in the film, but it leaves the impression of trying too hard to come across as Malick doing horror. Still, with some similarities to Robert Eggers' horror gem, THE WITCH (2015), there is enough atmosphere of terror to keep us engaged and working through the often-confounding narration. As a bonus, it leaves us with the perfect final line, "And yet ..." Opening in theaters on April 1, 2022.
Opening in a remote mountain village in 19th century Macedonia, we witness a 'Wolf-eatress" witch named 'Old Maid Maria' (Anamarie Marinca; 4 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AND 2 DAYS, 2007) visiting a mother (Kamka Tocinovski) and her newborn baby. It turns out Maria has a taste for newborn blood, but the mother negotiates a deal which would allow her to raise her daughter Nevena until Maria takes her in teen years. The child is then hidden away in a cave, isolated for years and mostly feral when Maria returns. Teenage Nevena (Sara Klimoska) knows nothing of the outside world and sets out on her journey of life lessons, guided by Maria, a witch who may or may not have her best interests at heart.
Shape-shifting, or assuming the form of their victims is a trait that Maria passes along to her protégé. This process is quick and brutal, and we see it played out along the way as Nevena takes over a local mother (Noomi Rapace), so as to get a taste of normalcy, a wolf (just because?), a man (Carlota Cota) so as to absorb power and experience sex, and a young woman (Alice Englert) in order to give birth to a child. This shape-shifting is referred in the movie as "dressed in corpse", which is a spot-on description. The Wolf-eatress follows closely, but does give her new daughter the space to explore humans, though Maria does not share the appeal.
There are some excellent scenes in the film, but it leaves the impression of trying too hard to come across as Malick doing horror. Still, with some similarities to Robert Eggers' horror gem, THE WITCH (2015), there is enough atmosphere of terror to keep us engaged and working through the often-confounding narration. As a bonus, it leaves us with the perfect final line, "And yet ..." Opening in theaters on April 1, 2022.
"You Won't Be Alone" is an interesting take on folklore and witchcraft
chenp-5470820 April 2022
Saw this back at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival.
Note: Review has been edited after a second watch.
The story is about a young witch in the 19th century who was kept isolated from humanity until adulthood, then experiences what it's like to be human for the first time by taking over the bodies of villagers and living out their lives. Australian director Goran Stolevski takes influence on experimental, artsy and cinematic horror movies from the past and tries to create his version of witchcraft horror like "The Witch". Stolevski no doubt is trying his best which I applaud him for doing so. Here, while the film is flawed, the beautiful camerawork, performances, music, and writing elements helps to make the film interesting and unique.
The production costumes that sets the period of Macedonian culture is interesting, most of the performances are pretty good, and some really good visual effects that looked really good. The actors portraying the main character was an interesting choice I must say. The characters however wasn't as very interesting as I was hoping for because they weren't given enough depth to care much about. At times, the narration provided felt like the movie didn't know how to find creative ways to present the story so they just gave us exposition instead of allowing the audiences to be creative and think about it.
Overall, while it has it's problems, the film is worth a shot.
Rating: B+
Note: Review has been edited after a second watch.
The story is about a young witch in the 19th century who was kept isolated from humanity until adulthood, then experiences what it's like to be human for the first time by taking over the bodies of villagers and living out their lives. Australian director Goran Stolevski takes influence on experimental, artsy and cinematic horror movies from the past and tries to create his version of witchcraft horror like "The Witch". Stolevski no doubt is trying his best which I applaud him for doing so. Here, while the film is flawed, the beautiful camerawork, performances, music, and writing elements helps to make the film interesting and unique.
The production costumes that sets the period of Macedonian culture is interesting, most of the performances are pretty good, and some really good visual effects that looked really good. The actors portraying the main character was an interesting choice I must say. The characters however wasn't as very interesting as I was hoping for because they weren't given enough depth to care much about. At times, the narration provided felt like the movie didn't know how to find creative ways to present the story so they just gave us exposition instead of allowing the audiences to be creative and think about it.
Overall, while it has it's problems, the film is worth a shot.
Rating: B+
Beautifully poignant, but only for the patient.
benjaminskylerhill10 April 2022
This is NOT a casual watch, nor is it really a horror film in the traditional sense. You Won't Be Alone is so bizarre, unconventional, and sometimes grotesque that I'm honestly baffled that it got funding. But I'm very glad that it did.
It's technically a witch movie, but it's also kind of an alien movie. Let me explain...
No spoilers here, but the premise follows a young witch in the 19th century who was kept isolated from humanity until adulthood, then experiences what it's like to be human for the first time by taking over the bodies of villagers and living out their lives.
The rest of the film is a soulful meditation that is essentially an alien observing how humans think, feel, and how they treat one another. It gives a very unique perspective on the simple things in life that we often take for granted, both good and bad.
It made me grateful for the full spectrum of human pleasures and pains-happiness and heartbreak.
The weirdness of the witch elements and the story's slow pace will definitely turn a lot of people off. The fact that a good chunk of the film just portrays normal simple lives being lived makes some moments feel rather repetitive. Sometimes I found myself thinking "I get the point, and I like the point, but let's move on now."
Still, this is one of those films that had such ambition that I can't help but admire it-even the small stuff I didn't personally care for.
If you are in a thinking mood, this is a soulful, dark drama that will certainly satisfy.
It's technically a witch movie, but it's also kind of an alien movie. Let me explain...
No spoilers here, but the premise follows a young witch in the 19th century who was kept isolated from humanity until adulthood, then experiences what it's like to be human for the first time by taking over the bodies of villagers and living out their lives.
The rest of the film is a soulful meditation that is essentially an alien observing how humans think, feel, and how they treat one another. It gives a very unique perspective on the simple things in life that we often take for granted, both good and bad.
It made me grateful for the full spectrum of human pleasures and pains-happiness and heartbreak.
The weirdness of the witch elements and the story's slow pace will definitely turn a lot of people off. The fact that a good chunk of the film just portrays normal simple lives being lived makes some moments feel rather repetitive. Sometimes I found myself thinking "I get the point, and I like the point, but let's move on now."
Still, this is one of those films that had such ambition that I can't help but admire it-even the small stuff I didn't personally care for.
If you are in a thinking mood, this is a soulful, dark drama that will certainly satisfy.
It seems like a beautiful, meandering 100-minute commercial for Macedonia's tourism
minervara9921 April 2022
How could this be horror when I felt so bored and almost dozed off? The movie was a stream of consciousness sprinkled with whisper-coo voice-overs, like watching a 100-minute commercial for tourism. So dreadfully dull and bland. It's probably good as a cure for insomniac.
A little slow but well made and original
jtindahouse12 July 2022
Witch movies haven't always been my favourite subject. I find a lot of them too subtle and that they dance around the subject rather than going right at it. That isn't a problem in 'You Won't Be Alone'. The film gives us the viewpoint from their perspective and it is refreshing.
The film has some pretty messed up stuff in it. The opening scene really sets the tone for just how grim it is willing to get. It was tough to watch in certain parts but the film was certainly better off for it.
It is a little slow and is going to lose some people in that way. It's also not particularly scary horror if that is what you're going into it hoping for. It is a very clean and well made film though with a uniquely interesting and original narrative. 7/10.
The film has some pretty messed up stuff in it. The opening scene really sets the tone for just how grim it is willing to get. It was tough to watch in certain parts but the film was certainly better off for it.
It is a little slow and is going to lose some people in that way. It's also not particularly scary horror if that is what you're going into it hoping for. It is a very clean and well made film though with a uniquely interesting and original narrative. 7/10.
Awful and boring
bedavidson-0869725 April 2022
I only lasted longer than 20 minutes because I paid so much. The high reviews are phony. A long boring movie about a girl who talks to herself and a burnt piece of bacon that won't leave her alone. Maybe all the lame stuff said was supposed to symbolize something, I don't know. I only know that it was a snooze fest with occasional nudity and violence.
"And yet..."
stylss20 April 2022
A Macedonian Witch's Personal Vlog
jack_o_hasanov_imdb28 January 2023
I was angry at the beginning of the movie. At first, I saw it as a movie trying to make "art" with nonsense amateur cinematic camera movements. But after the girl turned into a witch, the movie became an interesting one. I watched the movie till the end without getting bored. There were ridiculous cameras and cuts again. But I didn't mind because the subject and the process were very good. Acting was very good. The film takes place in 19th century Macedonia. In fact, we see the inequality between men and women, the difficulty of village life, and nonsense beliefs in those years through the eyes of the witch, and I think they reflected it very well. I didn't like the fact that the movie was narrated like a poem as the inner voice of the witch. The general audience will watch and dislike i think. I liked it, even though I didn't like it at first. It was a good job.
Well I guess I'm a normie now?
pretendeavor092 April 2022
What I did like : creative story, with a good direction and a somewhat feel good ending. Decent effects, and visuals.
What I didn't like : a clashing score that changes on a dime, ASMR narration, would have been better as a short film, felt bloated clocking in just under 2 hours.
What I didn't like : a clashing score that changes on a dime, ASMR narration, would have been better as a short film, felt bloated clocking in just under 2 hours.
A brilliant, imaginative, wonderful masterpiece
I_Ailurophile9 September 2022
I can't help but admire the daring of films that cloak their narrative in an aura of mystery and make the viewer work for their entertainment. Recognizable genre elements are subdued and twisted into dark fantasy by way of a naturalistic fairy tale. We learn the story, the rules and witch lore of the movie's universe, and specific course of events with the same sputtering, inexact difficulty as with which protagonist Nevena learns about the world. There's tremendous, breath-taking horror in 'You won't be alone,' but it is organic and deeply understated rather than immediate and precise; the inattentive audience will be lost. Awe-inspiring artistry of both film-making and storytelling, providing stupendous reward in their own time, is the top priority over easy clarity and instant gratification. Robert Eggers' 'The Witch' is an understandable point of comparison, and Lukas Feigelfeld's 'Hagazussa' a nearer and more appropriate one, but both these are far more direct and plainspoken. For all this, 'You won't be alone' is in its way a challenging watch, and one that will surely appeal best to a select viewership - but it's also roundly excellent and well worth the investment.
All the work that went into making this movie is exquisite, without exception. The filming locations are gorgeous, and the production design is superb. The costume design, hair and makeup work (especially for Maria), and blood and gore are vivid and marvelous. Matthew Chuang's cinematography is lush and vibrant, and Luca Cappelli's editing sharp and keen. This may be only the first feature film of Goran Stolevski, but he demonstrates fine capabilities as a director, and his screenplay is incredibly intelligent, not to mention altogether remarkable. We've seen many films about people, and especially children, discovering that they have supernatural powers, and exploring them - but what other movies have ever portrayed that discovery and exploration with genuine childlike wonder, innocence, and naivete? Even the broken grasp of language in the protagonist's narration discretely emphasizes this splendid approach; the plot at large is greatly absorbing, and fulfilling, but the scene writing that weaves together the tapestry is equally rich at every turn. Why, the sense of joyous fascination is so integral and predominant that 'You won't be alone' rather comes across as the type of horror film Werner Herzog would doubtlessly make if he had a go at the genre (remake of 'Nosferatu' notwithstanding).
Make no mistake, this is all but downright flummoxing at first blush, and stands far outside norms of supernatural horror flicks. It's quiet unlike anything else I've seen, really, a traipse of whimsy that makes the closest corresponding titles seem ruefully mainstream side by side. With all this having been said, however, whatever a viewer must commit for the viewing experience, the profit therefrom is immense. Violent, cryptic, perplexing, captivating, haunting, satisfying - 'You won't be alone' is all this, and much more. Flush with fabulous, smart detail in every regard, replete with peerless acting from everyone in front of the camera, this is well worth the patience, open-mindedness, and forcefully active engagement that is required, and well worth whatever steps one must take to watch it in the first place. Not everyone will get it, not everyone will appreciate it, but I for one think 'You won't be alone' is a brilliant masterpiece and a must-see. My highest, heartiest recommendation - bravo!
All the work that went into making this movie is exquisite, without exception. The filming locations are gorgeous, and the production design is superb. The costume design, hair and makeup work (especially for Maria), and blood and gore are vivid and marvelous. Matthew Chuang's cinematography is lush and vibrant, and Luca Cappelli's editing sharp and keen. This may be only the first feature film of Goran Stolevski, but he demonstrates fine capabilities as a director, and his screenplay is incredibly intelligent, not to mention altogether remarkable. We've seen many films about people, and especially children, discovering that they have supernatural powers, and exploring them - but what other movies have ever portrayed that discovery and exploration with genuine childlike wonder, innocence, and naivete? Even the broken grasp of language in the protagonist's narration discretely emphasizes this splendid approach; the plot at large is greatly absorbing, and fulfilling, but the scene writing that weaves together the tapestry is equally rich at every turn. Why, the sense of joyous fascination is so integral and predominant that 'You won't be alone' rather comes across as the type of horror film Werner Herzog would doubtlessly make if he had a go at the genre (remake of 'Nosferatu' notwithstanding).
Make no mistake, this is all but downright flummoxing at first blush, and stands far outside norms of supernatural horror flicks. It's quiet unlike anything else I've seen, really, a traipse of whimsy that makes the closest corresponding titles seem ruefully mainstream side by side. With all this having been said, however, whatever a viewer must commit for the viewing experience, the profit therefrom is immense. Violent, cryptic, perplexing, captivating, haunting, satisfying - 'You won't be alone' is all this, and much more. Flush with fabulous, smart detail in every regard, replete with peerless acting from everyone in front of the camera, this is well worth the patience, open-mindedness, and forcefully active engagement that is required, and well worth whatever steps one must take to watch it in the first place. Not everyone will get it, not everyone will appreciate it, but I for one think 'You won't be alone' is a brilliant masterpiece and a must-see. My highest, heartiest recommendation - bravo!
This movie demands effort from the audience.
okpilak22 October 2023
The old witch comes to claim the infant, but her mother resists, and makes a deal with the witch. Let her keep her for 16 years, and then you can have her for the remainder of your witch years. She then thinks of locking the baby away in a sanctuary where the witch cannot enter is the solution but when she reaches 16, her plan doesn't work. And she comes out from isolation really knowing little. She needs to be taught the ways of the village. And the real horror of the movie is the life in the village. To be a woman is to be nothing. One keeps in silence when the man is in the house, and once they have finished eating, one can have the scraps. And there seems to be an acceptance that there is a Wolf-eater-ess around, and that witch can take on different shapes. And when her fingernails extend, one knows something bad is about to happen. For many the story is too slow, it is not flashy and it goes along plodding. We first see the old witch as severely burned, but how is only later shown. One has to want to see where the movie is headed, rather than can't wait to see how it ends.
Tedious, uneventful, just kinda confusing
soonasthemoonhit17 May 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Very hard movie to stick with.. Most of the speaking (which is sparse) is via narration, & almost all of it is head scratching & vague. So much of it is shot in extreme (shaky) close up that it feels somewhat manic, while also simultaneously feeling like the slowest movie ever.. the "mama" witch's makeup (& acting - imo) scratched out any believability/creep factor from the first scene.. the entire movie (once it starts moving, if you can call it that..) follows a young feral girl that (as an infant) was promised to a witch once she turns 16.. soo, instead of enjoy the 16 years she has with her (which was the deal), the mother sticks her in a cave basically to rot & live like a caveman?.. well witch gets in, takes girl out into the world & makes her a witch/shape-shifter as well. Literally the rest of the movie is her killing & experiencing life thru other beings (a few girls, a man, a dog).. mind you she's a cave witch so she can't speak so.. that's about that.. my stream dropped out with less than 10 mins left & I genuinely couldn't bring myself to go back & finish. I wanted to like it but wow.. PAINFULLY slow (I live for slow burns), & up its own ass.. Definitely wouldn't categorize this as horror.. horror elements, absolutely.. music, atmosphere, subject matter, overall mood- completely not what you're expecting (I wasn't anyway).. slow, gentle, ethereal, & yet.... just not that interesting, not really great to look at, not sure WHAT the message or motivation is at all.. there were way too many times "The Witch" came to mind as a very obvious reference point.
Started it and
Rickinator6923 April 2022
Turned it off after 10 mins. This one was a no. Not sure about the raving critiques. After seeing the 7.3 for X and all the sparkling reviews there, I have my doubts about the ones here being real. X is now under a 7. This one was at 6.8 when I tried it out. We'll see what happens. I mean, 8's 9's and 10's? Come on, man.
More Artsy than Horror
Cenobite13619 September 2023
You Won't Be Alone is not a traditional horror film. It's more about exploring what it's like to not belong, and desperately want to. It's about lonliness/isolation, which are both definitely scary. The acting from everyone here is great, and I thought the plot and how they unfolded it was beautiful.
If it wasn't claiming to be a horror film, I may have rated it higher. Unfortunately though as a horror film, it falls victim to what most newer horror films do. Generic/bland kills, and unimaginative deaths. The climax for me also left a lot to be desired. If you're a pure horror fiend like myself, maybe skip this one. If you just want a wellmade film that has layers, and horror aspects I recommend it.
If it wasn't claiming to be a horror film, I may have rated it higher. Unfortunately though as a horror film, it falls victim to what most newer horror films do. Generic/bland kills, and unimaginative deaths. The climax for me also left a lot to be desired. If you're a pure horror fiend like myself, maybe skip this one. If you just want a wellmade film that has layers, and horror aspects I recommend it.
Malick meets The VVitch
stevelivesey6722 April 2022
Normal movie goers will hate this for its slow pace, subtitles, lack of dialogue and its 'show don't tell' style of plot exposition. Fans of cinematic art will love it for the same reasons.
It wouldn't surprise me if this gets remade in the an English language version as the plot is unique and scary enough.
The director is obviously inspired by Terence Malick movies and the folk horror element is drawn from movies like Robert Eggers' The Witch.
I found this to be enthralling, surprising and one of the most inventive movies I've seen this year.
It wouldn't surprise me if this gets remade in the an English language version as the plot is unique and scary enough.
The director is obviously inspired by Terence Malick movies and the folk horror element is drawn from movies like Robert Eggers' The Witch.
I found this to be enthralling, surprising and one of the most inventive movies I've seen this year.
Decent movie
nikolppavlova24 April 2022
Grief and trauma
ashfordofficial24 April 2022
A Macedonian language arthouse horror drama with a clever form of storytelling within the low budget limitations and yet it looked phenomenal and fantastic. A grounded realistic witch tale with mesmerizing music, atmospheric locations and a brilliant cast. It's not really a full-blown horror film. An emotional drama filled with trauma and grief.
Bewitching...
Xstal18 September 2022
Imagine what you'd do, living life without a clue, growing up inside a cave, a mother's one and only slave, until such time does come to pass, you're a fully grown up lass, but there's dust between your ears, years and years devoid of peers; then you're freed by an old maid, a sorceress has come to aid, taking you as an apprentice, the omens are truly portentous, she's a little overcooked, and her talons are quite hooked, quite a disaffected soul, you may well pay, a hefty toll.
Absolutely nothing to do with witchcraft or horror once you've peeled away the skin, but a magnificent and engaging exploration of the influences and effects that take their toll and shape your soul.
Absolutely nothing to do with witchcraft or horror once you've peeled away the skin, but a magnificent and engaging exploration of the influences and effects that take their toll and shape your soul.
Visually Beautiful
destiny_west1 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I really wanted to love this film, and by no means am I saying I didn't. The cinematography was absolutely stunning and the acting was superb. I loved the story idea and was at first completely captivated by this film. However, then it just seemed to rinse and repeat and it lost me. I really wanted so much more for You Won't be Alone.
By all means I do not regret having watched it.
It follows the story of a young girl that is given to a witch. The witch raises the girl as her own keeping her locked up in a cave for years, before venturing her out into the world to follow her and learn their ways. As a young woman she craves independence and wants to experience things on her own and ventures away from the witch to 'shape shift' if you would call it that, into various human beings and in doing so experience different ways of life, such as the life of an abused woman, and the life of a man and so on.
It is definitely worth a watch. I loved how beautifully this was filmed and the care taken to bring this story to life. I haven't been so enchanted visually since Brotherhood of the Wolf.
By all means I do not regret having watched it.
It follows the story of a young girl that is given to a witch. The witch raises the girl as her own keeping her locked up in a cave for years, before venturing her out into the world to follow her and learn their ways. As a young woman she craves independence and wants to experience things on her own and ventures away from the witch to 'shape shift' if you would call it that, into various human beings and in doing so experience different ways of life, such as the life of an abused woman, and the life of a man and so on.
It is definitely worth a watch. I loved how beautifully this was filmed and the care taken to bring this story to life. I haven't been so enchanted visually since Brotherhood of the Wolf.
Different
billcr1222 April 2022
I was impressed by the unusual storyline as a woman attempts to fit in with normal people even though she is a witch with abnormal abilities. The cast is excellent and scenery spooky. Rapace leads the ensemble and everyone is up to the task. The film is in Serbian and the subtitles are at times not grammatically correct. Even so, I rank this as a top tier horror movie.
Different than he norm!
anupamcin-429-25880929 April 2022
Was That Five Suffocating Hours That Just Passed ?
dianesedmak8 July 2022
I looked at my watch and was amazed to see that only an hour and something had passed because it felt like easily twice that much time. Whoever thought one could feel so utterly bored with the tedium of unending visual poetry and stilted speech.
God, I was glad when it was over. Why did I spend so much time on it then? Well . . . To be honest I didn't want to waste the $5.99.
One of the reviews said "You've probably never seen anything like it before and you probably never will again." To which I say, "Let's hope not."
God, I was glad when it was over. Why did I spend so much time on it then? Well . . . To be honest I didn't want to waste the $5.99.
One of the reviews said "You've probably never seen anything like it before and you probably never will again." To which I say, "Let's hope not."
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