“Alone”: Insensitive or Impactful?

 The movie “Alone”, streaming on Amazon Prime after its release on Oct. 16, is known for its portrayal of a virus pandemic. Actor Tyler Posey plays the main character Aidan, who works alongside his neighbor Eva, played by Summer Spiro, in order to survive from the infected who turned to zombies or so called “screamers”. Seeing as the world is currently combating the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, many viewers wonder if the way “Alone” portrays the difficulties of a pandemic quarantine may come across as insensitive to viewers. 

Although “Alone” is based on a zombie apocalypse, the movie gives its audience an empowering perspective and relatibility on the underlying theme of the film, Aidan’s journey to overcome mental health issues while quarantined.

“[“Alone”] will empower its audience [because] Aidan displays [his difficulties in quarantine],” Libby said. “Since he was able to overcome his hardships, which are portrayed much more [intensified] than those that we have to face, viewers can [be inspired to overcome the struggles of quarantine].” 

South Korean remake of “Alone” called “#Alive” will premiere on Dec. 31. The film’s screenplay writer Matt Naylor and director Cho-Il Hyung co-adapted the script to this remake in 2019. As “Alone” inspired a foreign version of itself to be made, both have the potential to feel impactful and insensitive to an audience, as it shows a dramatic rendition of events similar to those that are currently happening. Those whose have contracted COVID-19 may find it jarring to see a pandemic linked to the undead. Junior Stephanie Libby is a horror and science fiction movie fan, yet she is uncertain of how it will fare with audiences.

“[I am] worried about how [“Alone”] will affect people,” Libby said. “[With mixed emotions,] I am very excited to see how [a movie] that relates so strongly and directly to our current world will impact its viewership. I know its impacts can go either way, so I guess we can only hope it empowers people and works out positively.”

In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Posey explained the timeline of production, stating that it was not intended to be released during an actual pandemic. Posey hopes that “Alone” will portray that the effects of a pandemic should be acknowledged and that mental health issues in quarantine are conquerable, a message that will likely leave a positive impact.