I'm Not Home (2026)

-Written by Kyle Bain.

Two friends spend some time together, experiencing the highs and lows of life. As the truth slowly makes its way to the surface, more and more is understood of Tilo (Eli Brown) and Rune (Julian De Niro). Tensions rise, relationships are tested. I’m Not Home is an emotional roller coaster. 

Muted tones and a slightly hazy effect consumes every inch of I’m Not Home, a film steeped in emotional turmoil and mental struggle. There’s a grittiness that comes with those decisions, one that slightly glazes over the subjects of the film and protects them from the watchful eye of the audience. Are we a threat to these characters? Technically not—but this helps to elevate viewers’ understanding of the struggles being experienced by both Tilo and Rune. 

There is clearly an intensity present in I’m Not Home, but it’s hard to understand where that intensity is coming from. Writer-Director Elena Parasco gives viewers almost nothing, and with such little exposition available to the audience, it becomes challenging to follow these two intimately intertwined characters. To be clear, I’m not viewing this aspect of the film with derision, but rather with a healthy respect for the fact that Parasco is able to develop a mystery so heavily veiled, while still keeping the attention of viewers. We’re immediately intrigued by each of these characters, and a significant reason for that is the performance by Brown and De Niro—but just as much comes from the ingenious script of Parasco. I’m Not Home isn’t necessarily headed in a specific direction—at least as far as viewers can initially see—but it’s clear that Parasco had a particular vision in mind, and she followed both her heart and her expertise as she developed something both gorgeous and gut wrenching. 

Finally, there’s the pacing. I’m Not Home moves incredibly slow—remaining stagnant in one small apartment for the majority of the film. Viewers effectively participate in the intimate conversations between Tilo and Rune, and we are meant to hang on every word. I’m Not Home is a slow burn, and we are pulled further and further into the narrative as a result. Suddenly the film comes to a conclusion—and just as well as the meticulous movement of the narrative up to this point works, so does this. The abrupt shift is a welcome addition to the pacing and structure; just another reason why I’m Not Home works so brilliantly. 

Viewers are faced with a film that forces them to question everything—because there’s a mystery hidden in the darkness of this film. What that mystery is can be hard to decipher in the early going—but the performances of De Niro and Brown keep viewers enticed from the start. Furthermore, Parasco’s slow, gritty narrative works alongside these actors in a way that both juxtaposes and supports them on their individual and collective journeys. I’m Not Home is dark, a bit cumbersome, and altogether stunning. 

Written & Directed by Elena Parasco. 

Starring Eli Brown, Julian De Niro, etc. 

9/10 = DROP EVERYTHING AND WATCH IT NOW