You Won’t Be Alone ★★★
AUSTRALIAN writer/director Goran Stolevski has delivered an impressive debut with the period horror film You Won’t Be Alone.
Stolevski delves deep into his family roots to present the story of a teenage girl’s coming-of-age under the influence of a witch in rural 19th Century Macedonia.
In an area steeped in folklore and the supernatural, fuelled by fear and superstition, the badly disfigured witch preys on the mothers of newborns.
The story begins with a baby girl, Nevena, spared by the witch under promise by her mother that she will allow the witch to return and claim the child later in life.
Later, a 16-year-old Nevena is eventually claimed by the witch who bestow shape-shifting powers upon her. In a continuing effort to defy her destiny and claim a new life the girl transforms into both animals and humans.
As Nevena tries to learn and become a normal human being her efforts are constantly thwarted by both the witch and various human characters seeking to take advantage of her.
The film is beautifully shot and lit, with a style and approach to the material reminiscent of the recent work from new directors like Ari Aster and Robert Eggers.
Young Australian actress Alice Englert stands out as one of Nevena’s manifestations as does Noomi Rapace while Anamaria Marinco does a good job of the witch under heavy makeup.
It may be a little slow and uneventful for some horror tastes, but Stolevski’s debut marks him as somebody to keep an eye on.