What We Are What We Are! Exploring the Horrors of Family and Hunger in Jim Mickle's Cannibalistic Coming-of-Age Tale
Jim Mickle’s 2015 horror film “We Are Still Here” takes a chillingly familiar premise - a grieving couple seeking solace in a remote New England home - and injects it with a potent dose of bloodthirsty originality. This unsettling exploration of loss, isolation, and the primal instincts that lurk beneath the surface is not for the faint of heart. Prepare to confront the darkest corners of familial bonds as “We Are Still Here” serves up a feast of visceral horror, punctuated by moments of unexpected tenderness and pathos.
The film centers on Paul (Andrew Sensenig) and Anne (Barbara Crampton), whose lives are shattered by the tragic death of their son Bobby. Desperate to escape the painful memories that haunt their suburban home, they relocate to an antiquated farmhouse nestled amidst the mist-shrouded woods of a secluded New England town. However, their hopes for healing are quickly dashed as they encounter a series of unsettling phenomena: eerie whispers echoing through the empty halls, objects moving inexplicably, and horrifying visions that blur the line between reality and nightmare.
As the supernatural disturbances intensify, Paul and Anne are forced to confront a terrifying truth: they are not alone. The house holds a dark secret, harboring malevolent entities that feed on grief and despair. Trapped within this spectral purgatory, the couple must unravel the mysteries of their new home while simultaneously battling for their own survival.
“We Are Still Here” boasts a stellar cast led by genre veterans Barbara Crampton (whose piercing gaze and nuanced performance lend an air of palpable dread) and Andrew Sensenig (who convincingly portrays Paul’s descent into madness). Supporting roles are filled with equally compelling performances, including Joe Swanberg as the enigmatic neighbor who seems to possess unsettling knowledge about the house’s history.
The film’s chilling atmosphere is masterfully crafted through a combination of evocative cinematography, haunting sound design, and carefully paced tension. Director Jim Mickle expertly utilizes the claustrophobic setting of the farmhouse, creating a sense of palpable dread that permeates every scene. The shadowy interiors, punctuated by glimpses of flickering candlelight, cast long, unsettling shadows that seem to writhe with unseen menace.
Beyond its visceral thrills, “We Are Still Here” delves into deeper thematic territory, exploring the complexities of grief and the enduring power of family bonds. The film portrays Paul and Anne’s struggle to cope with their son’s death in a deeply empathetic manner, highlighting the rawness of their pain and the desperation that drives their actions.
The presence of supernatural entities serves as a metaphor for the couple’s internal demons – the guilt, regret, and unanswered questions that plague them. As they confront these spectral adversaries, they are forced to confront their own vulnerabilities and the destructive nature of unresolved trauma.
Themes and Motifs in “We Are Still Here”
| Theme | Description |
|---|---|
| Grief and Loss | The film explores the raw and debilitating impact of losing a loved one, showcasing how grief can manifest in unexpected and sometimes terrifying ways. |
| Family Bonds | Despite their harrowing experiences, Paul and Anne’s love for each other and their deceased son remains a powerful force. |
| Isolation and Loneliness | The secluded setting of the farmhouse amplifies the characters’ sense of isolation, contributing to their vulnerability and paranoia. |
Production Highlights:
- Director: Jim Mickle (known for his work on “Stake Land” and “Cold in July”)
- Writer: Ted Geoghegan (whose screenplay blends elements of classic ghost stories with modern horror sensibilities)
- Cinematography: Ryan Samul (creates a haunting visual aesthetic that enhances the film’s chilling atmosphere)
- Music: The score, composed by Drew G. Fornarotto, seamlessly blends eerie ambient soundscapes with jarring orchestral swells to heighten tension and evoke emotional responses.
“We Are Still Here” is a masterful blend of supernatural horror and psychological thriller, leaving a lasting impression long after the credits roll. It’s a film that will linger in your mind, prompting you to question the nature of reality and confront the darkest recesses of human experience.