[Film Review] Next Exit (2023)

If the existence of ghosts, and therefore life after death, was proven, how would the world respond? Would there be an increase in suicides, would people feel haunted by those they have lost, or would they simply be comforted by the thought that they will one day see their loved ones again? Next Exit observes these questions through a subjective lens whilst leading the audience to their own conclusions on love, loneliness, guilt, and suffering, as well as what it means to be alive in a world that isn’t always kind. 

This feature debut for Mali Elfman shows her raw talent for writing and directing - yes, she is Danny Elfman’s daughter, but it’s not what she should be known for, as her own flair shines whilst contemplating such a morbid subject.  This heart wrenching road-trip film finds two unlikely people stuck together on their way to commit suicide for a scientific study that will observe their journey into the afterlife. Throughout the drive, guilt-stricken Rose (Katie Parker) and success desperate Teddy (Rahul Kohli) develop an unbreakable bond, building from an initial place of dislike into a fierce love and appreciation for each other’s company.

Parker shines as (Blossom) Rose, a multi-layered character who feels remorse for her previous actions, haunted by a past she has been running from, as well as a shadow that she glimpses wherever she turns. As her stand-offish nature softens and her empathy shines, Rose develops into someone that the audience truly roots for. On a personal note, I was touched by her monologue on self-destruction, the need to upturn everything when it seems to be going too well resonated with me, showing Rose as a real person, someone who we have all met and understand in this way. Kohli makes sure there isn’t a dry eye left in the audience as the lovable Teddy, a man who just wants his life to mean something, even if that leads to his death. Neglected and abandoned by his father, Teddy holds resentment in his heart, but expresses nothing but acceptance and love to those who are open to receive it. Combined with his quick wit and slightly dark humour, Teddy is a delight to be on this trip with, even when his light begins to dim as he too faces his past. 

Although this is not a new trend, films that can’t truly be defined as one singular genre have been in abundance over the last few years, crossing the thresholds of horror, science-fiction, comedy, and drama in particular. Although this is not primarily a horror film in any sense, Next Exit does tackle some very dark topics that may be considered ‘horror adjacent’, whilst leaning further into the emotion of a drama. Suicide and the existence of ghosts are looked at through an incredibly fresh feeling lens, there’s no terror to be found like in The Sixth Sense, seeing the dead invokes feelings of love and calm in some instances, but sadness and guilt in others, fear is placed primarily on the backburner. A complex tapestry of emotion that is explored through the meeting of various characters along the road-trip (we all love Dead Jack) means that Next Exit can be watched multiple times without the feeling of knowing every nuance of every person we meet. Combining heart-felt monologues with some hilarious one-liners to lighten the mood when needed, the film takes audiences on an emotional rollercoaster along with the characters, and yet the road to assisted suicide remains flat, constant, and unyielding as they progress on their way. 

The only criticism I can think of with Next Exit is the simplicity of certain plot devices and the resolutions they create, the main one being Rose’s ease of finding someone that hasn’t been seen in years, merely from information that is divulged by a drunken Teddy. Looking past this however is quite easy to do when you are so invested in the journey these two people are taking together, you end up not caring that it was easily convenient to find the person to progress the story because you crave resolution for these two clearly suffering souls.  

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Overall, Next Exit is heartfelt, powerful, and triumphant in its purpose, an unexpected pleasure to watch even with the upsetting topics and themes that are covered. After my second watch, I can confirm that I cried as much as I did when watching it for the first time at London’s FrightFest, where I looked around the audience at one point to witness many hardened horror fans sobbing into their popcorn. This film is a truly cathartic release, creating a mirror of self-reflection for those watching, leaving you to ponder what you would do in this situation and whether your bonds with others would truly count when it comes to the end of your life. A highly recommended watch and a brilliant way to allow non-horror fans to watch a film that is a little darker than their usual tastes. 

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