Loner (2025)
Directed by Charlie Robb, Douglas Tawn
Starring Charlie Robb, Kat Johns-Burke
SYNOPSIS:
An aspiring vlogger goes on a wilderness retreat to a cabin in the woods, where he is held captive by an ancient, natural force.
Charlie Robb’s Loner succeeds as a disarming and memorable feature, blending pitch-black humour, folk-horror influences and a Blair Witch-type atmosphere. To my mind, the film also recalls the unsettling, face-to-camera format of Mark Duplass’s Creep series. However, Robb’s lead character, Angus (played by Robb himself), is far more sympathetic, lending an additional layer of poignancy and depth to the narrative.
The premise is deceptively simple, drawing us into the world of Angus, a vlogger who ventures deep into the Northumberland woods. His stated goal is to document a digital detox and immerse himself in the tranquillity of nature, using his secluded hut as a base for internal reflection. Initially, Angus’s recordings are marked by a humorous, banter-filled tone, as he shares his musings on the natural landscape and his personal journey. These early diary entries contrast with the gradually approaching darkness of the woods, that have a mysterious haunting presence about them.
Angus’ isolation in the woods begins to affect his behaviour. There are indications that he is grappling with a deep-seated grief, hinted at by a recurring voice message he obsessively replays – its contents a subtle source of unease.
The narrative is further complicated with the introduction of Eve (Johns-Burke), a young student who initially dismisses Angus’s cheerful greetings with an almost rude indifference. Her sudden, panic-stricken appearance later on throws Angus’s fragile state of mind into disarray. When crucial possessions such as his axe and lighter mysteriously disappear, Angus’s paranoia spirals, blurring the lines between external threats and his own deteriorating mental state. These incidents serve as catalysts, pushing him further into isolation and distrust, and forcing viewers to question the reality of his experiences.
Loner excels in its unflinching examination of mental health, supported by a sharp script and highly articulate filmmaking. The depths of the woods are rendered with exquisite detail, transforming the natural environment into a character in itself, one that grows in strength and prominence. The film makes a crucial point about the human tendency to selectively remember or reinterpret past events for personal comfort or benefit. It also powerfully illustrates how local environments, with their unique histories and atmospheres, can exert a profound influence on an individual’s psychological well-being.
Ultimately, the true monster lurking within Loner appears to be depression. Angus alludes to this early on, highlighting the tragic prevalence of suicide among young males. As he is just about to turn 30 years old himself, this thread is integral to the entire story.
Loner stands as a successful feature from Charlie Robb, who co-directed with Douglas Tawn. Given the film’s unique blend of psychological depth, genre elements and social commentary, it will be fascinating to see what narratives Robb and Tawn choose to explore next.
Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★
Robert W Monk
