BITS '19 Film Review - She Never Died

Woman of few words are hot topic in the film industry today. There was Margot Robbie as Shannon Tate in Once Upon A Time In Hollywood then most recently Anna Paquin's one line performance in The Irishman created quite a stir. In She Never Died  Olunike Adeliyi takes this concept to a new level as Lacy. She'd rather act than speak, does not want any company except for her one acquaintance who looks after the spot in the alley where she crashes and has a craving  for human fingers for the bone marrow that seems to fuel her incredible regenerative powers.

Lacy is seeking someone known to her as the man with the rings. The man's name is Terrence (Noah Dalton Darby) who is a mix of cruel and comedic as he toils in an industrial setting beating up people as he waits for the next shipment of women marked for trafficking. Lacy's friend tips her off to Terrance's location which she storms mutilates a loser associate but does not get to her target. Intrigued by her strength and power Terrence decides to reverse the tables and hunt her.

Law enforcement also has its eye on Terrence and the disappearances. Veteran cop Godfrey (Peter MacNeil) spots Lacy's handiwork. She is unorthodox but they both want the same thing so Godfrey extends the offer to team up in exchange for a roof over her head that includes a fridge to keep those appendages on ice. The last to the member of team is Suzi ( Kiana Madeira) who begins to follow Lacy around like a lost puppy after she inadvertently rescues her when storming into an apartment looking for a potential target. The trio all plays a role in going after Terrence and his sister Meredith (Michelle Nolden) who is the brains behind the siblings' criminal activities.

Olunike Adeliyi drives the narrative forward as Lacy. She is a human flesh eater but Adeliyi plays her in an understated, quick-witted manner that firmly plants the audience in her rooting section. She wants to be left alone, act practical and spend time in her favourite diner ordering oatmeal. Peter MacNeil grounds the film. His work alongside Director Audrey Cummings eye gives the production a serious look and feel. He looks the part, asks those police detective question and is willing stray from procedure if  his choices help to crack the case. The brother/sister , braun and brains dynamic between Noah Dalton Darby and Michelle Nolan drips with mischief and sarcastic banter.

She Never Died is a suspenseful tale with a gritty look dotted with several instances of short extreme violent bursts. Director Cummings does a lot with a little backed by a cast that contributes greatly to the production. The narrative is funnier than expected and full value for its 90 minute run time.

***1/2 Out of 4

She Never Died | Audrey Cummings | Canada | 2019 | 89 Minutes.

Tags: Rings, Human Trafficking, Interrogation, Bone Marrow, Live Feed, Fridge,  Red Room, Oatmeal, Tooth.