My thoughts on “You’ll Never Find Me” – a haunting and daring Australian horror movie.

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The first feature film from Adelaide-based directors Indianna Bell and Josiah Allen is boldly original and innovative, even though it draws inspiration from commonly used horror ideas: a dark corridor, sudden flashes of lightning, creaky walls and floors, and the howling wind. This aspect of You’ll Never Find Me, premiered at the 2023 Tribeca film festival and released statewide on Thursday, brought to mind the sheer pleasure of reading Edgar Allen Poe or HP Lovecraft. These authors utilize classic horror elements, but their stories possess a natural, unpretentious quality, almost appearing like magic through their captivating writing.

This film has a fervently wet and somber atmosphere that gives the feeling of being drenched.

The tale opens with a nameless young lady, referred to as “The Visitor”, seeking refuge from a stormy night by knocking on the door of a caravan. Played by Jordan Cowan, the woman expresses confusion about the events unfolding, representing the audience’s own confusion. Throughout this morbidly captivating chamber piece, we will also try to unravel the mysterious occurrences.

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In the caravan, there is a man named Patrick (played by Brendan Rock) who looks tired and worried. He enjoys staring ahead with a gloomy expression and pondering about humanity. The woman mentions that the weather is chaotic outside, although it’s already obvious due to the intense storm that is a major aspect of the film. She asks Patrick for a ride to town, but he is more interested in discussing deep, melancholic thoughts. He shares about avoiding sleep and how it only makes things more confusing and intertwined. The heightened atmosphere allows the actors to deliver lines that may have felt exaggerated in other settings, such as “it doesn’t matter where you hide” and “you’ve come to the wrong place.”

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Allen and Bell, who co-wrote the script, uncover mysteries of various sizes that ultimately lead to a reexamination of the entire narrative in order to fully grasp certain elements. In the beginning, we witness Patrick holding a small container of transparent substance… but what is its significance? Towards the end, during the climax, the scene is illuminated with intense blues and reds reminiscent of giallo films; these hues create a moody atmosphere, but are also implemented for clever purposes that will not be revealed here.

Both of the main actors deliver strong performances. Brendan Rock portrays the character with a sense of rueful mystery, with a deep and brooding quality that indicates a man who is lost in his own thoughts. He maintains a polite and courteous demeanor, offering food and a shower to his “Visitor,” but speaks slowly as if weighed down by numerous sins dragging his feet along the ground. Jordan Cowan exudes a strong presence, balancing a steely strength with hints of nerves and vulnerability. Her large, inquisitive eyes evoke a range of comparisons: they could be seen as the doors to perception, windows to the soul, or mirrors of the mind.

We know that she has approached his door, taking the initiative in a dramatic way. There is a sense of a mysterious game being played, although we are uncertain of who is in control due to the many lies and deceit. The characters appear to have a lack of trust in each other, and we are also skeptical of their intentions, as well as those of the directors. There is a lingering feeling that something is amiss, although it takes some time for us to figure out what exactly it is.

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In a particular moment, Patrick talks about the past in his usual gloomy manner, but he avoids making eye contact with his companion. This clever tactic creates an eerie and uncomfortable atmosphere, although it’s possible that we may be overanalyzing the situation. The directors allow this scene, and the entire film, ample space and time to mentally disorient the audience. They incorporate suspenseful and drawn-out dramatic moments that build tension and create a sense of weight and mounting pressure.

Bell and Allen have cleverly designed a challenging setting that gives the impression of being on the brink of consciousness, almost like a terrifying dream while awake. The caravan gives the impression of drifting on the outskirts of the universe, or maybe in the depths of the mind.

The tension steadily increases in You’ll Never Find Me, culminating in a shocking and expertly executed finale that will leave a lasting impression with its unexpected plot twists.

• The film “You’ll Never Find Me” is currently showing in Australian theaters and will be available on Shudder starting March 22.

Source: theguardian.com