Nobody’s Home
Directed by Michelle Bossy
Written by Louisa Erlich
Starring Louisa Erlich, Julio Lourido, Ruffin Prentiss, Baize Buzan and Tom Lipinski
Synopsis: When Theodora’s boyfriend Luca is set to be released from the institution where they are both admitted, she escapes with him and tries to re-traumatize him, so he remains under her control. They end up at his childhood home where a knock on the door sends them spiraling into a confusing night of games and manipulation rooted in lies, insecurity, and fear.
Going into this film I didn’t know a whole lot about it. I had read the synopsis and looked at the poster but that was it. I wasn’t familiar with any of the actors in the film either. What I’m trying to say is I was in no way prepared for it. Nobody’s Home absolutely blew me away. The film is a masterclass in tension and I never knew what was going to happen next and honestly nothing played out the way I expected. Director Michelle Bossy did a wonderful at building tension, keeping things at a simmer throughout before rapidly letting things build to a boil in the final act.
The film is a showcase for its acting, especially for the films writer/star Louisa Erlich. Her character Theodora is a master manipulator who always has to be in control. She wants the people in her life to be totally reliant on her and she will do whatever it takes to keep it that way. Louis Erlich masterfully plays the role, taking Theodora from manipulative to nurturing and loving at the drop of a hat. Even as horrible as Theodora is, she’s only human. She wants to be loved and she wants to make sure those that she love don’t leave. Julio Lourido plays Luca, Theodora’s deeply traumatized boyfriend. He relies on Theodora for support. He doesn’t know how to be alone and he can’t calm himself when he has a meltdown, which Theodora uses to keep him right where she wants him. Erlich and Lourido have excellent chemistry and their interactions are the heart and soul of the film.
Baize Buzan’s Angelica makes a excellent foil to Theodora, consistently questioning her every action while also showing the life Luca could have if he had someone who was genuinely supportive of his recovery. Ruffin Prentiss’ Jeremy provides a lot of the film’s humor as he is tripping on acid for the entire movie, which makes him a perfect target for Theodora, who does everything she can to undermine Angelica and Jeremy’s relationship.
Nobody’s Home is a darkly funny and engrossing thriller that oozes tension. The film is masterfully acted and directed, with Louisa Erlich delivering a pitch perfect performance poised to make her a star and a name to watch.
Score: 4.75 out of 5
