In the realm of modern streaming services, it’s refreshing to witness direct-to-TV movies that boast a quality far superior to their ’90s counterparts. Hulu recently introduced a new horror film centered around alien abductions that has had audiences talking. While not everyone may sing its praises, with the film’s head-scratching conclusion, there’s no denying that it ignited discussions and debates among viewers when they returned to their daily routines.
Comparisons to the acclaimed ‘A Quiet Place’ are inevitable, given their shared minimal dialogue and extraterrestrial themes. However, Brian Duffield’s ‘No One Will Save You’ takes a distinct approach, leaving audiences pondering a perplexing question – “What just happened?”
The Enigmatic Story Unveiled
‘No One Will Save You‘ unfolds like many classic alien abduction films. It commences with a seemingly ordinary setting as a character encounters a series of odd occurrences. In this case, Brynn, portrayed by the talented Kaitlyn Dever of ‘Booksmart’ and ‘Justified’ fame, resides alone in a spacious country house. Brynn’s past remains shrouded in mystery, with only faint hints scattered throughout the narrative. A peculiar letter she writes to her friend Maude bears an unexplained apology, setting an intriguing tone for what lies ahead.
The tale takes a curious turn when Brynn spots a peculiar circular patch of withered grass in her front yard. This peculiar incident piques her curiosity, marking the first sign that something unusual is afoot. As Brynn ventures into town, a strange phenomenon becomes evident: the townsfolk appear to deliberately avoid interacting with her. Their icy silence and unwavering stares create an unsettling atmosphere. Brynn’s silence, intriguingly, extends to her internal monologue, leaving her inner thoughts a mystery.
However, the enigma deepens when Brynn witnesses an unidentified couple from a distance, prompting her to hastily seek cover. Though their identities remain unknown, one individual is discerned as a police officer. It’s worth noting that Brynn has yet to utter a single word, even in solitude.
As night falls, Brynn is abruptly awakened by a disturbing noise, which she dismisses as a raccoon’s antics. Little does she know, it’s far from a simple critter causing a ruckus. Descending to the lower floor, she discovers her front door ajar and a mysterious intruder roaming her living room. The alien’s presence is tangible, though its features remain elusive. It appears to study a model of Brynn’s home and the town, which she has meticulously crafted. In a series of heart-pounding moments, Brynn’s attempt to retreat triggers a suspenseful game of hide and seek.
With calculated maneuvers, Brynn narrowly eludes her extraterrestrial pursuer multiple times. However, a chilling encounter in the kitchen reveals the alien’s telekinetic abilities, leading to a fierce struggle. Miraculously, Brynn prevails by fatally impaling the alien. As the narrative progresses, Brynn’s backstory unfolds, shedding light on her relationship with Maude and the events leading up to her alien encounter.
When Brynn returns to town in search of aid, she encounters the same couple she had evaded earlier, enduring an unpleasant encounter. On her journey home, she stumbles upon a grim revelation: the alien visitor was not a solitary entity. Instead, a fleet of these beings is controlling the townsfolk, implanting spiny creatures in their throats – creatures that Brynn herself had unwittingly experienced.
A Deeper Narrative
Beyond the captivating chase scenes and extraterrestrial intrigue, ‘No One Will Save You’ transcends the confines of a typical alien abduction plot. At its core, the film delves into the themes of trauma, grief, and the resilience required to overcome emotional pain. One could argue that it tangentially addresses the millennial generation’s collective trauma, stemming from experiences such as war, terrorism, drug crises, and economic downturns.
Brynn’s character becomes emblematic of the millennial generation’s ability to navigate trauma and societal turmoil. She grapples not only with the trauma of accidentally causing her friend’s death but also with the alien invasion unfolding around her. Her steadfast silence, even in the face of extraordinary events, reflects the “This is fine” meme, a metaphor for the millennial generation’s capacity to persevere in the midst of chaos.
An Unexpected Ending
As the film’s climax approaches, the aliens relentlessly pursue Brynn through the woods. Yet, the aliens‘ motives transcend mere abduction and domination; they seek to understand the root of Brynn’s trauma. When they access her memories, they uncover a painful truth – Brynn killed her childhood friend Maude in a moment of heated confrontation, forever branding herself as a pariah. To everyone’s surprise, the aliens spare her, having deemed her lifetime of suffering sufficient.
In the film’s final scene, Brynn reconciles with the very townsfolk who once ostracized her. Simultaneously, the alien ships continue to abduct and control other humans, presenting an apocalyptic scenario. This conclusion serves as a poignant allegory for forgiveness. Brynn, who unintentionally took her friend’s life as a child, faced isolation from society, only to be immediately forgiven by beings from another planet. Their act of compassion allows Brynn to reintegrate into their new society, marking a powerful message about redemption.
‘No One Will Save You’ stands out in the genre of alien abduction movies with its unexpected twist on forgiveness and resilience. While the film may have left viewers with more questions than answers, it undeniably provides a thought-provoking cinematic experience that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.
