When the director of one of your favorite films of the year (The Night House) is an executive producer on a film that means you’re going to love it right? Well in the case of No One Gets Out Alive, it’s a sentiment that rang true! I’ve been working on a list of Netflix horror movie recommendations similar to my Shudder list, so when I was given the opportunity to review this film, I jumped at the chance (and at a few parts during the film).
In No One Gets Out Alive, “Ambar is embarking on her American Dream after years spent dutifully tending to her terminally ill mother in Mexico. She arrives in Cleveland illegally, with very little money and unsuitable clothing for what’s expected to be the coldest winter on record. After finding cash-in-hand work at a local garment factory, she rents the cheapest room available from Red in a near-derelict boarding house. Kept awake by the other tenants’ sobbing, disturbing nightmares, and strange unearthly noises echoing from the basement, Ambar begins to wonder exactly who – or what – lives inside the house with them. Soon it becomes clear that Ambar has walked into a trap, one where she will soon be introduced to the evil that has been lurking in the basement. Ambar must fight to escape her living nightmare, but in a house where no one listens to the screams, will she ever get out alive?”
Cristina Rodlo as Ambar (Photo Courtesy of Netflix)
First and foremost, the fact that this is director Santiago Menghini‘s debut feature film blows my mind. It has the feel of something that Mike Flanagan would have directed. No One Gets Out Alive just exudes atmosphere. You just want to grab a blanket and curl up on the couch while you watch it. The use of cool tones throughout the majority of the movie makes you feel the dreariness that Ambar must feel throughout. Additionally, the pacing of the film does a great job of building dread while periodically lulling you into a false sense of security. For you gore lovers, there is even a bit of that in the film!
I appreciate that this film does not go the “all style but no substance” route. It is absolutely true that it is a beautiful movie. However, the updated adaptation of Adam Nevill’s novel of the same name will give viewers something to identify with. The social commentary is subtle but definitely visible and adds impact to the story. The original story takes place in the UK and deals with poverty versus the topic of immigration used in the film. No One Gets Out Alive excels in mixing real-world fears with supernatural ones. I think if I have no complaint about the film, it is that we don’t learn much about the entity/creature. That might be part of the point, but for me, I feel it would have added even more to my enjoyment of the film.
Cristina Rodlo as Ambar, Victoria Alcock as Mary (Photo Courtesy of Netflix)
Overall, I think No One Gets Out Alive is a great addition to Netflix. It is definitely worth making a movie night happen for it! I strongly recommend making a bowl of popcorn and turning off all the lights because this is a film that deserves your attention! It is a great way to kick off Halloween month and totally worth adding to your challenge list if you are participating in the 100 Horror Movies in 92 Days Challenge!
No One Gets Out Alive is available now to view on Netflix!
My rating: 4/5