Alive (2019)

Directed by: Rob Grant | 91 minutes | horror, thriller | Actors: Thomas Cocquerel, Camille Stopps, Angus Macfadyen, Chantal Perron, Gerrick Winston, Zoe Marlett, Lisa Moreau

This ‘Alive’ by Rob Grant is not to be confused with the 1993 film of the same name, which told a true story about cannibalism in the modern world. What both films have in common is that they both tell horrific stories. The 1993 movie did so in a humane way that left plenty of room for human drama and the consequences of a horrific act. Grant is more interested in telling an exciting story that should entertain. A goal that countless filmmakers pursue, but only a handful manage to achieve. Which camp does Grant belong to?

In ‘Alive’, a man (Thomas Cocquerel) and woman (Camille Stopps) wake up dazed in an abandoned sanatorium. The couple is seriously injured and dependent on care. However, the man (Angus Macfadyen) who takes care of this duo has no noble intentions…

‘Alive’ sounds like a kind of ‘Saw’ spin-off and in some areas there are certainly common ground. The eerie atmosphere and the cold decors with faded colors are reminiscent of the world-famous horror franchise. In terms of gore, it is difficult, because there was little budget available. Grant hopes to present a psychological film, but fails to deliver. The characters lack a background story, so there is no depth in the performances. It is not easy to empathize with flat characters that you never really get to know. The acting is also very changeable, with Macfadyen’s deviant, cartoonish acting in particular striking in a negative way.

Grant fails to capture a compelling horror/thriller, resulting in an aimless film that is neither meat nor fish. Too tame for fans of heavy chopping and sawing and too boring for fans of psychological terror. ‘Alive’ exists, it is alive, but that’s about all.