Michelle Bossy’s sophomore directorial effort, Nobody’s Home, is written by Louisa Erlich. Erlich stars as Theodora, a woman currently held in an institution for her mental health. There, she meets Luca (Julio Lourido), who is suffering from issues of his own. On the day of his release, she escapes so they can still be together. While Luca is sleeping, Theodora drives them to his childhood home, which happens to be the source of his trauma.
Theodora claims this detour is to help Luca, though he’s adamant that he never wanted to return. The night gets even stranger when Angelica (Baize Buzan) and Jeremy (Ruffin Prentiss) walk through the front door, claiming to be friends of Carl (Tom Lipinski), the current owner. Theodora says that she and Luca are also his friends. The four strangers decide to spend time getting to know one another, which becomes a trickier proposition than it sounds because Theodora is very controlling of Luca. On the other hand, Angelica is more relaxed but becomes jealous quickly.
Nobody’s Home wastes zero time in establishing Theodora’s personality. She’s always telling Luca what to do and think but gives him what he wants in return. Her demanding nature instantly rubs up against the so-called normal couple when they first meet. Luca’s meek mannerisms contrast nicely with the anguish he feels when overwhelmed by his emotions. Angelica’s seemingly spoilsport ways are just the flame these Molotov cocktails in human form need to ignite.
“While Luca is sleeping, Theodora drives them to his childhood home…”
Erlich gives a confident performance. As manipulative as her character is, the actor remains beguiling in a hard-to-describe way. Lourido is sympathetic and creepy at the same time. Buzan is the perfect foil to Elrich, being a bit bitchy yet thoughtful and determined. Prentiss lightens up the proceedings with some much-needed levity.
Bossy directs Nobody’s Home with an eye toward atmosphere. A scene wherein Theodora gets closer to Jeremy around the fire pit is fun and eerie at the same time. The placement of a knife is filled with tension. The best sequence is when Theodora locks Luca and Angelica in the basement. It’s not a long moment, but it is monumentally effective.
Nobody’s Home is a terrific thriller with an excellent ending. The cast is strong and delivers the right amount of creepiness and fun. The characters are well-written and engaging from start to finish.
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"…a terrific thriller with an excellent ending."
