You Belong to Me

2007's You Belong to Me, is a film I had never heard of before last night.  I stumbled across it on Netflix and figured I'd give it a look-see.  Frankly, I was pleasantly surprised.  What begins like another low-budget-indie-gay-themed film quickly morphs into a creepy, claustrophobic thriller that includes elements of Misery, Rosemary's Baby and Rear Window.

When a lonely young man moves into an apartment building so that he can stalk a guy he had an unsuccessful one night stand with, he gets much more than he bargained for...and unless you want the entire surprise of this one spoiled, that's about as much of the plot as you're getting here!

Director Sam Zalutsky has crafted a film that has an honest to god, mid 70's, made-for-TV-horror film-vibe to it.  And I say that as a compliment, becuase that's what makes You Belong to Me so much fun to watch.  You don't want to come to this film expecting blood and guts (well, there is a little blood) or major shocks; but if you can surrender to the cheesy charms ( yes, cheesy charms), you will find yourself smack dab in the middle of a creepy thriller.

But a fascinating thing happens towards the film's ending when the villain reveals their motives and suddenly, the specter of the AIDS crisis swoops in and adds a rather horrific bit of shading to some of what we saw earlier in the movie.  But fear not, the cheese factor is still strong enough so that You Belong to Me never even comes close to the heart-breaking realism  of  Philadelphia or Longtime Companion.

Finally, co-star Patti D'Arbanville is the heart and soul of You Belong to Me.  The former Warhol Superstar and muse for Cat Stevens (oh yes, kids, that's a fact) is still a gorgeous woman with a considerable presence. After seeing her performance here, one can't help but imagine what she might accomplish in a big budget shocker.  Or maybe John Waters could craft something perfect for her...ah, the mind boggles at the possibilities.

Hint: if this is your landlady, RUN!