The Only Ones (2024)


REVIEWER RATING: 
7/10

DIRECTOR:


A bunch of friends, squatters, drugs and a folklore set off a domino effect of epic proportions in this simplistic horror film that delivers some gruesome killings!  

When Nicky decides to clean out the isolated home of his deceased uncle, he grabs some pals to tag along into the woodsy outback area where hallucinogenics are encouraged and cell service is non-existent. But what could seriously go wrong amongst 6 young adults in total remoteness, sharing stories, booze and the mild urban legend of an inbred monster called Boneface?  

Pulling up in a Texas Chainsaw Massacre-like van, we are introduced to several characters ranging from the lesbian couple (Sarah/Valerie), the grandiose podcaster (Zach), his documentarian filmmaker girlfriend (Casey), a quirky weapons-nut (Jude), and of course the host of this leisurely adventure, Nicky. After discovering a middle-aged couple squatting in the rundown home, there aren’t many red flags waving suspicion as they are forced out by gun-toting Jude who enjoys the power in flashing an unpopular pistol into the mix. It seems that’s just the oddity of Jude and it’s well received.  

Once the gang calms into the serenity of their environment, they gather around a bonfire to drink and watch Jude devour a stash of mushrooms. Again, not much concern on any of their faces as the night winds down and they venture back into the house. Well…most of them.  

Drummed up from extreme hallucinations and indistinctive sounds beckoning from the back forest, our drug fueled comic explores his surroundings to perhaps locate this sinister Boneface who is likely lurking amongst the darkness waiting to pounce. I loved the set-up of anxiety, building in the gut as I watched Jude muster his way through the trees in a muggy sweat.  

Thereby the evening goes from laid back playfulness to complete chaos in a very unsettling and unforeseen event. As the friends begin to question what just happened, each becomes very cognizant of themselves…and each other.

The theme quickly turns to intense paranoia and lack of trust even between the best of friends and lovers. What exactly is happening in this horrifying moment of madness and how will they escape without a phone and (purposely)…4 slashed van tires?

Get ready for a gripping little tale of crazy misunderstandings and some pretty good gore along the way! Be prepared for some unique deaths that may even cause a chuckle before a wince.

OVERALL: 
The Only Ones is surprisingly entertaining amidst the rather awkward “80’s homage to horror” introduction, aka: The Boneface Fable. The plot quickly moves into character development fairly well, despite the odd spotlight on the lesbian couple Sarah and Valerie. There’s actually a tedious scene of emotional baggage being dumped by Sarah regarding her upbringing and hesitation to fall in love. “Love is a trap” tries to become her motto, but it’s so peculiarly out of sorts during a night of disarray and deserves a place on the cutting room floor. The Home Alone tribute through boobytrapping the house and insanity that ensues helps pull your attention back to the real adage: Trust No One!


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