Short Film Review: 'We Die Alone' (2020)
There are only four billed cast members in We Die Alone, and at just under 24 minutes it ran the risk of a jagged pace and uneven storytelling. Or worse: just being flat out boring. However, the script’s structure is practically flawless; as every singl
★★★★½
NR - Drama, Thriller (24 minutes)
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“Aidan, a young man crippled by loneliness and insecurity, wants nothing more than to experience love, but he compulsively ghosts any connections he makes through dating sites. Aidan’s co-worker Elaine, generous with her advice and kindness to a fault, encourages him to put himself out there — although, in her heart of hearts, she wishes he would pick up on her feelings for him. Everything changes when Chelsea, beautiful and distant, moves into the apartment across the hall from Aidan’s. The two feel an instant connection based on their refusal to engage in social norms, and bond over an unusual hobby. This chance encounter throws Aidan into a spiral of dangerous infatuation that will alter all three of their lives. Touching on themes of loneliness, obsession, and the brutal nature of relationships, ‘We Die Alone’ assesses the aftermath of what happens when three isolated people with different ideas of love become dangerously entwined.”
— Official Synopsis
Still, I am amazed at the creativity from some filmmakers. Its been nearly three full years of festivals, screeners, and indie reviews, and I am still shocked at the resolve that filmmakers, particularly that create short films, have. Ingenuity and surprise are at the heart of their creations, as they are often restricted by financial means or a lack of sufficient resources. Yet, their films are often decorated with talent in nearly every department; a sign that their careers are only just beginning. Writer-director Marc Cartwright clearly has a successful future ahead if We Die Alone is any indication of a filmmaker’s trajectory within the industry.
Where to even begin. There are only four billed cast members in We Die Alone, and at just under 24 minutes it ran the risk of a jagged pace and uneven storytelling. Or worse: just being flat out boring. However, the script’s structure is practically flawless; as every single frame is tonally consistent with each bend in the narrative. It’s complete with a wonderfully macabre perspective change mid-story, that will have you grinning from ear-to-ear. This wouldn’t be possible without magnetic performances from Samantha Boscarino (Chelsea), Baker Chase Powell (Aidan), and Ashley Jones (Elaine).
Particularly with Jones and Powell, the viewer is able to quickly sympathize with their plight. And its not just that Powell’s performance evokes major Spencer Reid vibes, but that Cartwright’s editing technique connects the past and present thoroughly — to the point where these characters are fully realized in their everyday lives. In fact, they feel so tangible that you get the sense that you’ve worked with them or that you’ve at least interacted with them at some point. We Die Alone subverts the very basic fabric that makes a compentent thriller by threading a wholly-individualistic, audiovisual experience into the fold.
David Williams composure will have you squirming with unease as you wait to see what happens next in anticipation; harmoniously mixing the quieter moments with a eerie score. Meanwhile, Gabriel Gely’s command of the camera is rich — opting for a tight frame in most instances, further complimenting the thrill of Cartwright’s direction and script. From the production side, there is no weak element of We Die Alone. One thing that might not completely land with everyone is an ending monologue from one of our main characters. It will likely either come off as poorly written or lacking in believable delivery. To be clear, that is the only true critique that I have — as the rest of the film is nothing short of exceptional.
Premiering at the Oscar-qualifying festival, LA Shorts, and closing at The Newport Beach Film Festival, We Die Alone, stars Baker Chase Powell (Dolemite Is My Name), Ashley Jones (True Blood, Bold and the Beautiful) and Samantha Boscarino(The Cheerleader Murders, The Clique). It has numerous awards from various festivals, including: Best Director, Best After Dark Short, Best Actor, and Best Supporting Actress, among many others.
We Die Alone is available on Amazon Prime starting August 21st, 2020 (today), and on Gunpowder and Sky’s Alter around Halloween.
I believe everyone desires love or validation on some level and I enjoy mulling over the challenges in finding successful romantic relationships. For some, finding a partner is effortless, while others find it nearly impossible. I also believe that a person’s ability or inability to find connection is a choice - whether conscious or subconscious.
We Die Alone is my way of touching upon the consequences of standing in our own way when attempting to build authentic romantic connections. Inspired by Alfred Hitchcock and his manner of discussing reality with a tragic twist, I felt this film would be best told in the dramatic thriller genre.
We Die alone is my most personal film to date, but it’s also my most collaborative. Two thirds of the cast are female, so it was important for me to collaborate with women in the development and writing of this project. Because this is a story about relationships, I spoke with different people about dating and the varying tactics people use to connect with potential love interests.
- Director Marc Cartwright
Stills via Glass Cabin Films