It's quite difficult to leave me scarred or immensely connected with horror films for plenty of reasons, among them is that I can only believe or trust the story if
the dramatic dynamic works. "Friend of the World" has such benefit since there is a very good dramatic story going on, it's gripping and well-acted all the way even with some
bumps here and there.
A young filmmaker (Alexandra Slade) wakes up in this strange place filled with corpses not knowing anything until the appearance of menacing slightly helpful Gore (Nick Young), a military
who gives her instruction on how to survive in this bunker-like space where they are trapped during a post-apocalyptical world. And if Gore doesn't seem a guy to be trusted due
to his manic behavior and loud rants - there's some Sterling Hayden in Dr. Strangelove kind of vibe going on with this man - then there are worst out there, with some creature
and other dangerous situations with only leave the woman in affliction while the military tries to keep things in order, when he's not creeping out on her.
Throughout the picutre, I could never say there were predictable moments or anything, and it's all very curious to watch. It's very claustrophobic, monochromatic in a
scary way, and even with a limited budget the makers manage to create something unique, frightening, with good use of some dark twisted humor. And Slade is an excellent presence, you
really feel connected with her character's ordeals while Gore is completely unpredictable from one moment to next. I definitely recommend this for fans of apocalyptical genre
since it tells a lot about the tools of survival and the painful difficult in trusting other people rather than yourself. Sometimes we're better off alone. 8/10.
