The Man in the White Van , 2023.
Directed by Warren Skeeles.
Starring Madison Wolfe, Ali Larter, Sean Astin, and Brec Bassinger.
SYNOPSIS:
A young girl becomes convinced that a white van is stalking her.
The Man in the White Van is a well-crafted thriller that taps into the universal fear of being stalked by a stranger. Set in the 1970s and loosely based on real events, the film follows a young girl named Annie, played by Madison Wolfe, who becomes convinced that a white van is following her. Initially dismissed as the overactive imagination of a teen, her terrifying claims soon take on a darker, more menacing tone as the story unfolds, drawing both her family and the audience into a harrowing journey of doubt and fear.
From the start, the film expertly builds a sense of tension and dread. Annie’s experiences, which seem outlandish at first, gradually escalate to the point where her parents (Ali Larter and Sean Astin) must wrestle with the decision of whether to believe her or write it off as simply being a child’s fantasy.
This central dilemma drives the narrative forward, pulling the audience into the emotional turmoil of having to confront the unknown. It’s a stressful situation that resonates with anyone who has experienced the helplessness of being unable to convince others of a very real danger.
One of the most impressive aspects of the movie is how it unfolds in an episodic manner. The film’s pacing allows the timeline to go back a few years to reveal the van’s previous victims, with small clues and unsettling moments being introduced, allowing the pressure to build slowly. This increases as each year goes by, taking us up to the present day of the film and Annie’s plight.
The 1970s setting provides an additional layer of atmosphere, with period-specific details—like the cars, fashion, and the limited means of communication—enhancing the feeling of isolation. This retro context makes the threat feel all the more pervasive, as characters are left to confront their fears without the technological safeguards of modern times. The lack of personal devices, security cameras, and instant communications heightens the vulnerability that both the characters and the audience feel.
Madison Wolfe’s portrayal of Annie is both gripping and heartfelt. She manages to embody the blend of innocence and terror that comes with facing the inexplicable. The film’s most powerful moments lie in the tension between Annie and her parents, who struggle to believe her, and Wolfe’s nuanced performance gives this conflict emotional depth.
A smartly conceived, chilling tale inspired by an all-too-real, faceless threat, The Man in the White Van ratchets up a ticking time bomb of tension that resonates across eras. With its atmospheric storytelling, solid performances, and a lingering sense of unease, it’s a film that explores the terrifying notion of being stalked by an unknown force—and what happens when no one believes you.
The Man In The White Van will be available on DVD & Digital from 1st September.
Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★
Robert W Monk
