Go With Me

There seems to be a trend of various thrillers set in the arse end of nowhere with a strong sense of mystery, intensity and people who are just as brutal and cold as the lousy weather. Well, films such as winter’s Bone and Them Lovely Bones harbour interesting themes and messages and now we’ve been graced with another. Go with me is a modern fable where a young woman is pushed to the edge by a stalking sociopath within a small logging community. After the death of her cat, she sets out for revenge with the help of an ex-logger played by Anthony Hopkins and his charming side kick Alexander Ludwig.

Go with me brings out some heavyweights with Anthony Hopkins who always has a strong sense of gravitas with his roles. True, there is an interesting complexity to his character which could’ve been explored more but the true champion here is Ray Liotta. His portrayal as the sinister and twisted local crime lord Blackway is intensifying and terrifying. With a good line up for the supporting cast such as Julia Stiles and Alexander Ludwig bringing a gentle aspect to this intense thriller.

This is a simple yet engaging thriller for the most part, that has moments that will grip you to the edge of your seat but overall this feels rather generic. The story is a typical chess board type of narrative, where our characters go from one location to another, finding out information, causing a disruption or two along the way and in the end everything is resolved with extreme violence. It’s predictable where the story will go and the by the climax you’re not really satisfied with the lack of challenged this film offers. There was one scene towards the end that attempted to add some complexity with a certain character and also dive into a theme of mental health. But it felt too much like a last minute ditch to add some depth to the plot.

It also bugged me that Ray Liotta is only highlighted as a generic fiend with a passion for crime. I mention this because we see he was the sheriff before the events of the film but without a further look into his character it just makes him a little dull. We’re also left to a single sense of exposition featuring why Anthony Hopkins hates him so much which feels rather forced. It’s can be summed up as Ray Liotta being a ill spoken thug towards Hopkins and nothing more. This makes Anthony Hopkins motivations a little uninteresting, further displaying a shallow and typical plot type “protect the girl from the bad guy”.

This is a big element of the film that could have been explored further to make Ray Liotta/Hopkins and the situation overall a little more interesting. But as said, Ray Liotta does a fantastic job as the bad guy; everyone does a great job with their roles. I did also like how Alexander Ludwig played a character with a disability, yet still stood up bravely to tough situations and fought back when needed. He and Anthony Hopkins made an interesting duo which I really enjoyed observing their interactions.

Another aspect you’ll enjoy observing the beautiful cinematography, taking a wondrous look at the cold, stilled landscapes and capturing the impressive displays nature has to offer. You’ll become immersed as the film explores the world and how ruthless it is.
While certain fight scenes and action segments where choreographed and performed well, along with certain scenes that builds up the tension rather beautifully. As mentioned, you’ll be gripped to your seat for most of the film.

Go with me is an average thriller that’s predictable while not adding anything new to the genre. Yet the great cast and some intensifying moments are worth checking out along with the beautiful cinematography. This is a decent revenge thriller that could have been much better but still not a bad flick to check out.