WE’RE NOT SAFE HERE: A Deep Dive into Solomon Gray’s Atmospheric Horror Flick

Solomon Gray’s latest directorial offering, “WE’RE NOT SAFE HERE,” attempts to weave a tale of psychological dread and supernatural unease, exploring themes of trauma, artistic struggle, and the blurring lines between reality and hallucination. While the film boasts moments of striking visual composition and compelling performances, it ultimately falters in its narrative cohesion, leaving audiences with a sense of unsatisfied curiosity.

A Claustrophobic and Unnerving Atmosphere

The film centers on Neeta (Sharmita Bhattacharya), an artist grappling with a creative block, and her colleague Sarah (Caisey Cole). Their lives become entangled with Rachel (Hayley McFarland), another teacher who has been absent and returns with a disturbing story rooted in her childhood trauma. Gray effectively utilizes a claustrophobic setting, with Neeta’s home, laden with her own artwork, serving as a visually dense and increasingly suspicious space. This meticulous attention to decor, combined with a meandering camera and effective sound design, crafts a potent atmosphere of paranoia, making the familiar feel suddenly alien and threatening.

Performances Anchoring the Narrative

Hayley McFarland delivers a standout performance as Rachel, her portrayal of paranoid madness tinged with a commanding presence that keeps viewers captivated. Her extended monologues, detailing her past experiences, are the narrative’s strongest anchor, drawing the audience into the unfolding mystery. Sharmita Bhattacharya as Neeta, while given the task of portraying a troubled artist, is described by some critics as feeling a bit stiff and unsure in her initial scenes, though she reportedly finds her footing as her character succumbs to the film’s darker influences. The chemistry between McFarland and Bhattacharya is noted as being crucial in driving the film forward and maintaining audience investment.

Narrative Stumbles and Ambiguity

Despite its atmospheric strengths and strong lead performances, “WE’RE NOT SAFE HERE” is plagued by narrative stumbles. Critics point to disjointed dialogue early in the film and story beats that don’t quite add up, leading to a feeling of dissatisfaction. The film struggles to decide on a true protagonist, sloppily weaving between Neeta, Rachel, reality, and dreams. Rachel’s blackouts and the ensuing dream sequences are viewed by some as a convenient way to introduce ambiguity, but they also risk undercutting the film’s stakes. The narrative’s vagueness, while intended to provoke thought, often leaves too many questions unanswered, making the conclusions less profound than they could have been.

Thematic Depth or Lack Thereof?

At its core, “WE’RE NOT SAFE HERE” seems to explore the impact of trauma and its potential to manifest in unsettling ways. There are suggestions of creative blocks and self-doubt intertwined with Rachel’s story, hinting at a psychological breakdown rather than a purely supernatural haunting. However, the film’s resolution is divisive, with some critics feeling it undercuts the established narrative. The reliance on narration over visual storytelling in key moments means that much of the scare factor is derived from what characters recount, rather than what is explicitly shown.

Overall Critical Reception

“WE’RE NOT SAFE HERE” has garnered mixed reviews. While praised for its visual style, sound design, and McFarland’s mesmerizing performance, the film is frequently criticized for its weak script and lack of narrative clarity. It’s described as having “frills but very little substance,” with the potential for a more compelling and comprehensible story left unrealized. For fans of atmospheric horror that prioritizes mood and psychological tension over explicit scares, there might be enough here to appreciate, particularly in its ability to evoke a sense of paranoia. However, those seeking a tightly plotted narrative might find the film’s ambiguities frustrating, making it a challenging watch amidst the broader landscape of new movie reviews and the latest horror offerings.