What Keeps You Alive
2018, Dir. Colin Minihan
Reviewed By Fiona Dodwell
What Keeps You Alive – starring Hannah Emily Anderson and Brittany Allen – is a film that is currently streaming on Netflix (and also available to buy on Amazon). I knew nothing about the film when I watched it recently, other than that it is a horror – my favourite genre. Not spending time on reviews or recommendations, I gave it a chance on a whim one rainy afternoon and I was not disappointed. In fact, I’d go as far as to say the movie is an example of horror done brilliantly.
So, what’s it about? What Keeps You Alive is a dark film about a young lesbian couple who visit an enchanting remote cabin to get away from everything for a few days. Of course, as this is a horror film, things don’t go well on the couple’s retreat. It doesn’t take long before the creepiness begins and the hard-hitting tension and violence unfolds, leaving the viewer on edge. Without spoiling anything, let’s just say this film is a movie about a psycho on the loose ….but it stays away from clichés and has plenty of twists to keep you going.
The acting is absolutely stunning, with flawless performances from the main cast, and the tension is unbearable as we follow the story of the young couple. The soundtrack made a beautiful accompaniment to the story, too, executed powerfully when needed and subtle at times, which was effective.
I have seen countless horror films over the years, and let me say this is one I rate very highly. It hits the fear factor, it is engrossing, horrific and ambitious.
I highly recommend this film to anyone who likes their horror dark. You won’t be disappointed.
Fiona Dodwell
Fiona Dodwell is a horror fanatic who has been obsessed with the genre since she was a teenager. She has had several horror titles published, including Nails, Juniper’s Shadow, The Banishing and The Given. She also writes freelance for various websites and magazines, including Music News, Made In Shoreditch and Tremr.
Her new horror book, The Risen, will be released late 2020 with publishing company Arcanum Press. To find out more about Fiona and her work, you can follow her on Twitter at: @Angel_devil982
I caught this film on netflix last year and I too really enjoyed it, thought the two lead actresses delivered committed and realistic performances. One of the stars, Brittany Allen, composed the film’s score too.Deserves better reviews on Imdb and wider viewing audience which hopefully now it’s on netflix it will get that.