You Won’t Be Alone (2022) - Goran Stolevski

​Quite enamored by Goran Stoleveski's You Won't Be Alone, a film that likely won't appeal much to horror hounds given its intentions are far more rooted in existential notions of horror than they are in action or theatrics. A striking, assured vision that should placate horror fans somewhat through some transgressive pleasures, but those seeking more traditional horror will likely struggle to fully embrace this film's rather singular wavelength. You Won't Be Alone wields folk horror as a tool to ruminate on the human condition, aiming to excavate the harsh realities of living and the serpentine nature of violence, both explicit and implicit, that plagues any attempt at social harmony. Reminded me a bit of Under the Skin in the way its central protagonist is a foreigner of humanity attempting in many ways a path towards understanding, and much like that film You Won't Be Alone features a startlingly assured vision, though It doesn't quite attain the same emotional resolve or consistency as Glazer's stellar work. What You Won't Be Alone does manage is a lyrical, metaphysical experience in which the specter of perpetual violence and injustice intrinsic to humanity is examined through a rigorous formal style that enunciates the natural world almost as if to suggest humanity itself has failed due to its attempts at creating rules or guidelines above and beyond that of the elemental. Far from perfect, and perhaps I'm overvaluing this film due to its distinctive vision, but you can bet I'm super curious to see what this filmmaker does next.