You Can't Stay Here (2023) Movie Review
In Todd Verow's thriller, "You Can't Stay Here," we're taken back to Central Park's Ramble in 1993, a well-known meeting spot for the gay community. This mysterious story, loosely inspired by real events, unfolds during the AIDS crisis, when the dangers were high, and police harassment was a constant annoyance.
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Despite the risks, gay men sought solace and connection in this sunlit wooded haven. Rick, a budding photographer, found peace, affection, and interesting subjects like Hale and the enigmatic Raccoon Man. However, the tranquility is shattered when a tall blonde stranger starts murdering men in the Ramble. Now, Rick must uncover the truth to prevent more deaths.
Movie Review
In the best movie "You Can't Stay Here," Todd Verow, along with his writing partner James Derek Dwyer, weaves a story full of queer experiences and supernatural twists. The plot delves into Rick's complicated past, including the end of his marriage, his struggles as a father, and the emotional challenges related to his mother's Alzheimer's. All this unfolds before a demonic killer enters the scene.
The script draws inspiration from films like "Cruising," "Peeping Tom," and "Blow-Up," creating suspense as Rick plays the roles of both photographer and detective. However, the movie faces challenges in maintaining tension due to a distracting voiceover and an amateur supporting cast. Rick's recurring inner monologue also takes away some of the mystery.
Guillermo Díaz, who plays Rick, brings a mix of tenderness and toughness to the character. His performance effectively conveys Rick's pain, making additional flashbacks seem unnecessary. Díaz, mostly dressed in black, portrays Rick as a grieving figure, using his camera to connect with others in the Ramble. Justin Ivan Brown, playing the killer, adds a menacing presence with a sharp knife and piercing blue eyes. As Rick confronts this demon, he finds newfound confidence.
In "You Can't Stay Here," Todd Verow, who also handled cinematography, embraces the film's scrappy, low-budget vibe. However, this choice doesn't always hit the mark, especially when certain scenes or characters feel out of place, disrupting the emotional flow. The film's digital appearance, appearing too crisp, struggles to transport viewers to the 1990s, often feeling more like the 2020s. This gamble doesn't work well, particularly in scenes like day-for-night shots with a purple hue or those set in a club.
The sound quality faces similar challenges, with echoes and other rookie mistakes not addressed during filming. Even Greg Sabo's synth score can't mask the need for retakes or better equipment investment.
While "You Can't Stay Here" might not be a movie to watch repeatedly, Guillermo Díaz's compelling performance stands out. He becomes the film's heart and soul, delivering a dedicated and serious portrayal amidst moments where others seem to overact for forced laughs. Díaz's authenticity shines through, grounding the movie in a unique blend reminiscent of "Blow-Up," "Cruising," and a vampire serving as a possible metaphor for AIDS. His expressive eyes navigate the darkest corners of the Ramble, giving the film a haunting quality that even a well-dressed demon couldn't replicate.