Synopsis: The film follows 19-year-old serial killer Bobby (Jacob Elordi) as he is picked up by a celebrity animal handler, Jim (Zachary Quinto), on a desolate stretch of Route 66 with priceless cargo in tow: Jim’s chimpanzee, Spanky, an American TV darling. As stress between Bobby and Jim rises and their fiery personalities combust, the road only becomes more treacherous the farther they go.
If you did something in good faith or genuinely out of the kindness of your heart, you can only hope that everything else will work out as it should. While it’s said that no good deed goes unpunished, unforeseen wrath shouldn’t be expected. Situations can work out in your favor, even if you’re initially surrounded by darkness. It’s okay to be cautious and take into account past experiences of yourself as well as others, however, you’re doing yourself a disservice when you ignore your gut instincts and say no more than yes. Be present, be selective, but also take some risks. But don’t pick up hitchhikers.
“Bobby, you don’t want to do this.”
Being nice may win you a friend or two, but it may also save your life. Directed by Jeff Darling, He Went That Way is a flickering flame that could’ve been a roaring fire. Based on most true events, this 1960s period crime drama initially props itself up as a dark yet absurd murderous road trip film. It lures you in with the quietly disturbed, tall, dark, and handsome stranger who is attempting to get home and who we know has recently murdered someone. It quickly pairs him with a man named Jim who is nice enough to provide transportation to the unknown Bobby, but is also on a journey of his own accompanied by a famous chimpanzee. What seems like an intensely interesting plot of danger and endless possibilities morphs into an endless therapy session.
With wandering eyes, a wounded soul, and a double-barrel Derringer .22 pistol, the film keeps you in frustrating suspense as you ponder whether someone is going to die or are the two men going to lock lips. I’m not entirely sure if the sexual tension was intentional, but it was definitely present. Unfortunately, nothing quite takes place as you’d expect. By that, I mean nothing exciting happens on the level that it suggests. It’s simply underwhelming. Despite its impressive unfolding and focus on trauma and connection and how to stay alive, it just doesn’t hit the way it should. The threat of imminent peril isn’t conveyed strongly enough.
“If I catch a liar lying to me… well…”
From the wardrobe and cars to the accents and businesses, this film transports you back to the 60s in impressive fashion. Right from the jump, nowadays, you wouldn’t dare pick up a stranger let alone drive them hundreds of miles and stay in hotels with them. One of the most interesting aspects of the film is there is a moment when you see how our culture shifts into fear as people want to keep weapons on their person to increase safety. This is after all the serial killer era. There are things that the film does well, but when you your sold a psychological thriller, you expect to be thrilled. The thrills never came. Instead, we are presented with homicidal daddy issues in a 6’5 package. This film will most definitely have its audience, however, I think most will be a bit disappointed. Its rewatchability is low.
Pace & Pop
The film must’ve been worried about getting pulled over because it never dared to exceed the speed limit. What is initially perceived as a thoughtful yet wild ride turns out to be more of a slow burn. What popped for me was the production design. Outside of racism, the 1960s are a great decade for automobiles and the rustic Americana milieu.
Characters & Chemistry
Starring: Jacob Elordi, Zachary Quinto, Patrick J. Adams, Phoenix Notary
What a weird way to audition to play James Dean. It may not be what Jacob Elordi or the director intended, however, it’s exactly how it turned out. Not to mention, Dean is referenced. From nervous head-tilted thumb-biting to an endless amount of profound brooding and aloof denim-clad cigarette pulls, the Australian actor embodies the era’s aesthetic with an accent to match. Unfortunately, as in Priscilla, there are moments where the accent feels a bit too forced and certain words are unintelligible. The chemistry exhibited with Zachary Quinto’s Jim is an oddly fascinating mix of predator and victim meets mentor and crush. While interesting execution, the seemingly titlizing pairing doesn’t quite hold up to what the story originally offers.
He Went That Way opens in select theaters on January 5, 2024, and On Demand on January 12th. Stay safe and don’t pick up strangers.
Rated: NR Runtime: 1h 35m Director: Jeff Darling Writer: Evan M. Wiener Based on: LUKE KARAMAZOV by Conrad Hilberry Producers: Marc Benardout, Hugh Broder, Jeremy L Kotin, James Harris, Mark Lane Executive Producers: Jacob Elordi, Zachary Quinto, Phil Hunt and Compton Ross, Ananyaa Shah, Medha Jaishankar, Lawrence August, Rochard Broder and Lisa Broder, Travis Oberlander and Anthony M. Cotin Director of Photography: Sean Bagley Editor: Adam Wills Costume Design: Nancy Gould Score: Nicolas Rosen
He Went That Way is a flickering flame that could've been a roaring fire.
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GVN Rating 5.5
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