“No One Will Save You” is a 2023 American science fiction horror film written, directed and produced by Brian Duffield, starring Kaitlyn Dever. It is unusual among features for having only five words of dialogue in a 93 minute runtime.
In “No One Will Save You,” rural America faces malevolent alien invaders in a film that could be humorously dubbed “A Quieter Place.” This almost wordless thriller, in contrast to the popular “A Quiet Place,” lacks embedded silence as the aliens are not sound-triggered. This occasionally feels gimmicky, but it serves as a challenge, especially for the writer-director Brian Duffield and lead actress Kaitlyn Dever.
Kaitlyn Dever, known for her role in “Booksmart” and her impactful performance in Netflix’s “Unbelievable,” portrays a young woman living a solitary life in a rural home. Her quiet life is abruptly disrupted by an unexpected late-night visitor, which she assumes to be human but turns out to be an alien with a retro aesthetic. She fights back and manages to kill it, only to discover that her town faces a broader alien invasion. All the while her own unresolved personal demons, haunt her in a far deeper manner, making this film a rich experience emotionally.
The film excels in tense cat-and-mouse scenes, with some occasional special effects issues. The alien aesthetics, initially throwback, become unsettling in their movement and varying sizes. A robust score and a Hulu budget stretched to Amblin production value create a genuine movie atmosphere, a significant achievement for streaming content.
However, the film’s storytelling, delivered in a drip-drip fashion, becomes frustrating as it leads to a major reveal. The script’s withholding approach creates fatigue, turning curiosity into annoyance and disappointment. The film’s exploration of trauma lacks depth and emotion, resulting in a puzzling final scene. While Kaitlyn Dever’s fiery performance rises to the challenge, it can’t fully rescue the film, especially given the messy last act.
In the end, “No One Will Save You” falls short of its potential, despite Dever’s efforts. It is worthwhile, however, because it takes risks and rewards its audience with the resonance of emotionally charged character development rare in horror.
Neil Healy is the founder of ScareTube, a lover of the mysterious, a New Yorker who’s found happiness with a native California women in Los Angeles and who has written most of his life. An early fan of the movies, he is dedicated to finding the perfect story.
