Loss of memory is a primal fear that ebbs through all humans. Such is the premise of Steven M. Smith’s feature film, Remember Me 2: Forget Me Not. 28 Days Later and The Walking Dead, opened with similar plots. Will this indie psychological drama be able to hold up to those iconic works?
Joe (Hans Hernke) awakens in a hospital bed with zero recollection of how he got there, and very little awareness of who he even is. The hospital staff explain to Joe that he was in an accident and has been under heavy medication to keep him alive while they desperately search for a kidney to keep him alive. Doctor Addicscombe (Tony Fadil) explains to Joe that a major side effect to the medication is memory loss, but after treatment, along with the help of friends, his memory will return. As the days pass, Joe begins a hazy recollection of his existence, which has taken a dark turn. Odd visits from his girlfriend and questionable practices from the hospital staff send Joe’s already foggy mind into a sinister spiral. Joe must put together the pieces of this nightmare puzzle before the staff’s evil agenda is carried out.
Remember Me 2 is a slow-burn mind bending terror trip that takes the viewer into the dark depths of human depravity. Hans Hernke carries the film with a terrific performance. Mr. Hernke drives the narrative by going from confused patient to a paranoid frightened captive with great range. Smith and co-writer Christopher Jolly craft a clever plot with the script. Smith uses great technique with blurred shots that exemplify Joe’s fuzzy recollections. The film and script do suffer at times from some choppy continuity and several scenes that drag on before the inevitable reveals come to light. Despite a few lulls, Remember Me 2 is a breath of fresh air from the standard slash and hack films that litter the genre. Remember Me 2 will keep the Horror-Nation glued to the screen as they try to unravel the horror behind the plot before Joe does.
Scream Score: 7/10