You Won’t Be Alone - 2022 - 7/10
Nevena, newly born, catches the eye of Maria, a centuries old “witch”.
Her mother agrees to hand over her daughter once she turns 16, then hurries to hide Nevena.
As if anything can be hidden from a witch.
After 16 years, the witch claims the girl, who has been hidden in an isolated cavern.
Much of the film follows the girl, who is given shape-shifting ability, as she tries to understand and fit in with humans.
Supposedly set in 1800’s Macedonia, this could just as easily be set in 1400’s.
There is a timeless, pre-Industrialization quality throughout.
Some have equated this with The VVitch (2015), but it is actually closer to Hagazussa (2017).
For devotees of folk horror, this is indispensable.