As humans, we are programmed with the desire to have control over every aspect of our lives, partly as a form of survival, and partly because it’s instilled in us early in life. Despite this, there are aspects of life that, try as we may, will occur no matter what. Getting older is one of the prime examples of this, and we have to determine if we will embrace the inevitability of aging, or inadvertently make ourselves miserable fighting against it. For Emmy (Paige Henderson), the struggle of this dilemma takes her on a sinister and supernatural journey in Save Me From Everything.

Directed by Anthony Baldino and Ryan Lacen, who go by the pseudonym Normal, the film delves into what happens when a person is driven to their brink while attempting to undo the inevitable. We are introduced to Emmy as she prepares for a trip to Gorey, Ireland, in search of a man named Patrick Sullivan (Brendan McCay), who she believes can give her insight on information she is desperately seeking. Though we aren’t immediately privy to what, exactly, these questions are, Emmy’s frenzied obsession with this goal is apparent right away. We also get a brief insight into her life at home with her pregnant sister. This at first seems inconsequential to the plot, but is later revealed as part of the impetus for her rushed trip overseas.

Once in Ireland, things move along at a quick clip, and we are given an understanding of her reasons for travel through a series of stylistically narrated readings of emails between Emmy and Patrick. It’s revealed that she’s seeking information on history regarding her family, who are originally from Gorey, and Patrick, whom up until this point she’s never met, holds the key. Or at least she hopes so. 

The two meet after bumping into each other, quite literally, in a bar (because where else would you meet up with someone in Ireland?). After a few awkward introductory exchanges, Emmy gets right down to business. Patrick understandably is intrigued and puzzled as Emmy explains that their Great Grandfathers lived on properties next to each other in Gorey, and she is hoping he knows some of their history. What’s more perplexing is Emmy’s behavior as she struggles to remain calm while pressing Patrick for answers. She becomes increasingly more animated and gets visibly distressed and anxious once it’s clear Patrick is unable to provide her with what she needs. Despite this, the pair spend the remainder of the night together, and, after several pints, seem to be forming an actual connection. When Emmy awakens the next morning to find Patrick gone, it sets in motion a series of events that slowly unravel an intricately woven tale of old familial curses, mental illness, and deception on disastrous levels. 

To divulge any more of the plot from this point forward would be doing a disservice to the viewer, as this is a film that deserves to be uncovered with as little knowledge going into it as possible. Baldino and Lacen have crafted a compelling tale of mystery and intrigue that is truly an immersive experience. From a tone standpoint, Save Me From Everything is chock full of beautiful shots of the streets and buildings of Ireland, which helps to transport the audience into the murky, dismal mood of the story. 

Henderson’s portrayal of Emmy is spellbinding in an oddly uncomfortable way. This is a woman who, within the first moments of the movie, we understand is teetering on the edge of sanity. As the story progresses, her behavior becomes more unstable, creating a distressing and anxiety-inducing experience for the viewer, as we are faced with having to helplessly watch it all unfold. Her performance is so believable that there are genuine moments where it’s easy to forget you’re watching a movie instead of a real-life event.

Though the last act does feel slightly rushed, and there are some storytelling decisions that go so sideways that it would feel more fluid without them, Save Me From Everything is a compelling modern folktale that will keep you on your toes until the final frames.

7 out of 10