Amoeba Music

At first look, a film entitled You Are Alone, may not be at the top of your list of must sees unless, perhaps, you are alone. However, one must never judge the straight to DVD video by its title.

You Are Alone centers on two primary characters. Well, actually three. There is Daphne. She’s been accepted into Harvard, she’s beautiful and she’s alone. Then there is Britney. She’s seen things that most people won’t see in their lifetime. And then there is Buddy, a sad sack whose wife has left him, whose dog has recently died and his empty dark encapsulation that he calls home.

The main difference between Daphne and Britney is pretty obvious. On one hand we have a very bright, sexy and sharp young woman on the brink of something great. On the other hand we have a young prostitute who claims that she is the one always in control. The biggest similarity is that Daphne and Britney is the same person.

Buddy is the next door neighbor who comes face to face with Britney/Daphne at a bachelor party. Until this point, he’s only seen the child who he watched grow into a beautiful young lady. Now he’s witness to a transformation he never thought possible.

Buddy’s curiosity reaches a fever pitch and he follows Britney/Daphne to a “date” where he is discovered by her. Once her “stalker” is revealed, she confronts him and he cowers away not fully expressing his true curiosity.

As his fascination grows for the young nymph, Buddy stumbles on her online add and decides to schedule a date at a local hotel. Upon Daphne’s arrival, she silently second guesses her decision to take the job until Britney takes over and pushes her through the hotel room door.

What follows draws references to films like Last Tango In Paris and Anatomie de l’enfer (Anatomy of Hell). The two engage in candid discussion about their darkest secrets and haunting moments; their high times and their lowest of junctures, as well as sexual openness and the acceptance of sexual discovery. Britney/Daphne’s optimism shows a carefree, loving individual, who, though despite her decisions shows a promising future. Buddy’s infinite sadness reflects a life and future of darkness and sheer emptiness.

Though the conclusion of this innocent and awkward encounter isn’t entirely shocking, it will make you think about what we do for love, acceptance and happiness.