James Morris’s ‘HE NEVER LEFT’ (2024) – Movie Review

He Never Left comes at a time when slasher movies are dumped off to the wayside with few exceptions (like the Terrifier series). They’ve become repetitive and redundant. However a few manage to slip through the cracks with some old school storylines.  I had no expectations going into this movie because I thought it was just gonna be another fish from the same barrel. However, I can accept the idea that I don’t give a lot of movies a chance because at my age, I like what I like. I have to get over my own ego though, and He Never Left is one of the reasons why.

Synopsis

After a tragic moment while committing a crime Gabriel (Colin Cunningham, Blood Drive 2017) becomes a fugitive and holds up in a motel. While at the motel he starts a spiral into paranoia. While his girlfriend Carly (Jessica Staples, The Stolen Valley 2022) tries her best to keep Gabriel’s sanity. After hearing strange noises coming from the next room, Gabriel will do anything it takes to leave. while being hunted down by U.S. Marshalls. What’s worse is that there is a masked Killer that once terrorized the town on the loose again. Gabriel is left wondering how to get out of this trap alive.

James Morris directed and co-wrote the film.

The Rundown

He Never Left is Psycho on steroids. Through the whole movie there are surprises and twists, all the while being mostly focused on a motel room. The setting nails it for the moment. The film is a closer look at what happens when you make rash and tragic decisions. All the while letting you remember that karma always strikes back in some way. He Never Left had me on the edge of my seat, waiting for the big moment, and it didn’t let me down. I was actually very surprised as the movie progressed into telling us who the killer is.

What I liked the most about He Never Left was the thrill of waiting for things to work out for Gabriel. It hit me afterwards that I didn’t care if anyone survived. All of the crew knew how to rock this movie. I am sure it took a lot of work to make this movie click. From the cast to the director, everyone knew their goal. There was no one likeable to me and I think that’s supposed to be the point. This film gave me hope that “smart horror” still has a chance.

In The End

I would suggest this movie to anyone, especially my friends who like to think through the plot. He Never Left is an original movie, with an original spin off a classic horror movie. The film leaves you feeling like you don’t know who to trust. The other element is that it seems so real. The movie is hard to predict, even when you think the pieces fit together, you will be shocked at the ending. I can say I am happy I was able to screen this movie because it really sits well with me.

The movie will be hitting limited theaters on November 1st Followed by a  VOD release November 5th