With a constant stream of negative news and the relentless social media echo chamber, it’s easy to forget what it’s like to simply be alive. Our lives are so complex and convoluted nowadays that we often forget to pause and take a minute to just catch our breath. Increasingly, people are looking for a way out. To be closer to nature and get back to basics. To leave the rat race behind and reconnect with the world around us. in You Won’t Be Alone ponders what it is to be human.
In 19th century Macedonia, a young mother begs Maria (Anamaria Marinca), a wolf-eateress, to spare her baby. She does so on the condition that it will be handed over when it reaches adulthood, rendering the child mute before leaving. Hiddem away in a cave, despite her mother’s best attempts she is claimed when the time is up, but the witch soon bores of her innocence and lack of guile. Despite being transformed, Nevena (Sara Klimoska) longs for human company. After accidentally killing a village woman (Noomi Rapace), she assumes her shape and her journey begins.
You Won’t Be Alone is one of the more unusual films you’re liable to see this year. Goran Stolevski’s audacious feature debut mixes naturalistic lyricism with folk horror to create a beast which is difficult to tie down. One which evolves and morphs with every new turn. It’s a deeply humanistic fable. One which considers the very essence of what it means to be human, especially a girl or woman, both good and bad. You Won’t Be Alone is a remarkable and enthralling achievement.
You Won’t Be Alone will be available on digital platforms in the UK from 20 October.
