Alone With Her Review (2006)

Synopsis

A quiet but disturbed young man puts the life of a woman he’s obsessed with under a virtual microscope when he installs hidden cameras throughout her house.

My Thoughts

Technology has made the world a better place in a lot of ways, and it has also helped make stalking all that easier.

Any loser with a laptop and a couple of hidden cameras can be a full-blown psychopath from the comfort of their own home, and that’s exactly what this movie is about.

In Alone With Her, we meet Doug who if he were any more socially awkward, would just be a pile of sweat in a hoodie, who decides to secretly film women in public.

He just casually walks around with a camera in his bag, collecting footage like a National Geographic pervert, and then, one day, he stumbles across Amy who is just minding her own business, trying to live her life.

But Doug? Oh, no, as he decides she’s the one.

Doug decides that he doesn’t just want to watch Amy, he wants to insert himself into her life and sets up some cameras in her apartment, listens to her conversations, and learns everything about her.

He’s not some shadowy figure lurking in the distance, he’s right there, messing with her world, making sure everything plays out exactly how he wants without her knowledge.

Colin Hanks plays Doug, a dead-eyed stalker who somehow still makes you feel a tiny bit sorry for him, and that’s what’s creepy, as he’s not some horror movie monster, he’s just a sad, lonely guy who takes things way too far.

Ana Claudia Talancón, who plays Amy, is fantastic too and her character is not just some over-the-top damsel in distress, she’s just a normal woman trying to get by.

And that’s what makes this whole thing hit so hard, you can actually see why Doug fixates on her, as she’s kind, she’s vulnerable, and to someone like him, she’s easy to manipulate.

The movie is shot all through hidden cameras, so you feel like you’re the one spying on Amy, and trust me, it makes you feel a bit gross as it drags you into Doug’s headspace, and you hate yourself for it.

The whole thing builds slowly, and by the time Doug’s obsession reaches its peak, you’re practically screaming at the screen trying to help and warn Amy about this nut job of a guy.

The film sticks with you because it feels real, and you know it really happens in real life, we have no masks, and no over-the-top violence, just a quiet, manipulative psychopath ruining someone’s life because he can.

Alone With Her is a hidden gem and a film I recommend, but I will tell you that it is more like a thriller rather than a traditional horror film, just so you know what to expect, but it has some horror elements as well, and plenty will find the subject matter disturbing and creepy enough to feel some dread, but don’t expect a traditional horror film.

I think it blends both genres though, and I also think that you should still definitely watch it, regardless.

Good Points

Disturbingly Realistic –The film feels like something that could actually happen, which makes it way more unsettling.

Strong Performances – Colin Hanks nails the role of a quiet, manipulative creep, and Ana Claudia Talancón makes Amy feel like a real person instead of just a generic “victim.”

Good Tension – The film does a good job with the tension as it gradually tightens the screws, making you feel more anxious with every scene.

Bad Points

Slow Pace – Some might find it too slow, especially since it’s more about psychological control than direct action, so if you don’t like a slow pace this might be a negative for you.

Predictable Ending – If you’ve seen enough films of a similar theme, you’ll probably guess where this is going, though it still hits hard.

Is It Worth Watching?

Yes.

Alone with Her is a slow-burning, disturbingly realistic film that drags you into the mind of a stalker and makes you feel like an unwilling accomplice, and it’s the kind of movie that sticks with you in a way you wish it wouldn’t.

So if you’re into psychological thriller/horror that gets under your skin without relying on gore or jump scares, it’s absolutely worth your time.

Alone With Her On IMDB

Where To Watch

It’s not available to stream on any services, but if you do a search, you should be able to find it to watch…..

Director and Cast

Director – Eric Nichola

Main Cast – Ana Claudia Talancón, Colin Hanks, Jordana Spiro.