The Only Ones, written and directed by Jordan Miller, is a slasher film that stands out with its fully developed characters, unexpected twists, and brutal kills. It opens with a chilling tale reminiscent of horror classics like Wrong Turn, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and Hatchet. The terrifying figure of Boneface, the killer in the story, is as frightening as he is badass. However, the story abruptly shifts, revealing that the Boneface tale was just that—a tale—leaving us to follow a different, equally terrifying narrative.
The film centers on six friends who head to a secluded house for a relaxing weekend, only to inadvertently trigger a cascade of chaos, death, and paranoia. As the body count rises, the survivors are left questioning who they can trust and who will be next. The cast, featuring Cayla Berejikian, Christopher Inlow, Emily Classen, Matt Burns, Paul Cottman, Jim Krut, Zach Ruchkin, Jeb Aufiero, and Tatiana Nya Ford, shines with a variety of newcomers and fresh faces, each bringing a unique energy to their roles. From the lesbian couple to the stoner, the cool guy, the nerdy girl with a camera, and the token black guy, the ensemble adds layers of diversity and personality to the film.
The editing in The Only Ones is top-notch, especially for a low-budget horror film, with clean and precise cuts that maintain the suspense. The setting—a modern, almost too-clean house deep in the woods—creates an unsettling contrast that adds to the film’s eerie atmosphere. While the inclusion of a gun in a slasher film might seem unconventional, The Only Ones uses this and other rule-breaking elements to its advantage, crafting a narrative that feels fresh while still playing with familiar horror tropes.
One of the standout moments is the cameo by Nancy Anne Ridder, known for her role as one of the bathroom girls in Scream. It’s a nice nod to horror fans, although it's odd that Ridder is one of the few cast members who couldn’t spring for the IMDb subscription fee and lives without a profile image. The film’s dialogue feels natural, though some performances outshine others. There are a few weird tonal shifts and monologues that drag on, reminiscent of Phoebe Cates’ infamous scene in Gremlins. However, these moments don’t detract from the overall experience.
The film teases horror and gore from the start, but after introducing the characters, it takes a while to return to the bloody fun. The opening sequence, with its promise of a Boneface storyline, leaves you wishing for a full movie focused on that killer. Thankfully, as the film progresses, the kills get better and more inventive, with solid death scenes and some memorable one-liners.
While The Only Ones shares some DNA with films like Tucker and Dale vs. Evil, it takes a more serious approach, exploring themes of human nature, survival, and paranoia. The writing is clever, bringing together classic horror elements in a way that feels both fresh and familiar. When all is said and done, The Only Ones is one of the better true indie horror films in recent memory—thanks to its gripping story, well-executed twists, and heart-wrenching ending.
Special thanks to Matt Burns for bringing this one to my attention. The Only Ones made its mark by premiering its teaser trailer at the 2023 Pittsburgh Moving Picture Festival, where it won "Best Teaser" and "Best Editing." It’s a must-see for horror fans looking for a film that breaks the mold while still delivering all the gruesome, gory goodness they crave.
Jessie Hobson