Cast
View All
Crew
Director
- John Rosman
Writer
- John Rosman
Producer
- Mike Marchlewski
- Michael Marchlewski
- T. Justin Ross
Reviews
Chris Sawin
_New Life_ is a thrilling manhunt of a film with horror sequences that are seemingly inspired by the highpoints of the _Resident Evil_ and _The Last of Us_ franchises. The inclusion of ALS is mostly successful.
The film ends up leaving you feeling like you know what director John Rosman was going for, but it doesn’t seem to totally click by the end of the film. With its intensity, and the outstandingly devastating performances of Hayley Erin and Sonya Walger, _New Life_ can be an anxiety inducing ride at times; a horror thriller that is just shy of cinematic excellence.
**Full review:** https://bit.ly/ALSHorror
Aug 25, 2023
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Thriller/Mystery/Science Fiction film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. New Life presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director John Rosman brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2024, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of New Life took approximately 17 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 84 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 125 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The screenplay went through 8 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2024, when this film is released:
- Artificial intelligence was becoming increasingly integrated into daily life and creative industries.
- The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While New Life shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike 4 Horsemen: Apocalypse, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, New Life subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Path of Totality and Go North explore similar territory, New Life stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: May 3, 2024
- Runtime: 1h 24m
Where to Watch
