Todd Verow's suspense-packed film, "You Can't Stay Here," invites the audience into the enigmatic Ramble, the notorious venue for New York City's Central Park public encounters, refashioned from William Friedkin's iconic movie, "Cruising." Anchored in 1993, amidst the most destructive phase of the AIDS crisis, the film delves into the lives of gay men seeking solace and companionship in these outdoor woodland retreats, amidst the threat and trauma of police interference.
Emerging photographer Rick, portrayed brilliantly by Guillermo Díaz, finds alluring subjects and comforting relationships in the Ramble – from benevolent creatures like Hale, brought to life by Becca Blackwell, to regular visitors such as the aptly named Raccoon Man. The peace is shattered when a strange, blonde intruder (Justin Ivan Brown) inflicts death on the men within the Ramble, pushing Rick to discover the truth before further instances of murder.
Woven into the script by Verow and his co-writer James Derek Dwyer, common queer narratives vie with spectral components, leading to an engrossing storyline rich in unexpected detours. Insights into Rick's past – the collapse of his marriage when his wife (Karina Arroyave) uncovers him with a man, the sorrow of parting from his son (Andrew LaFerrera), the guilt surrounding his mother’s (Marlene Forte) Alzheimer's diagnosis, and the heartbreaking belief that his father abandoned them due to his being gay – further fuel the turbulence. This turmoil rises further when a demonic murderer unleashes a reign of violence in Rick’s sanctuary.
Influences from films like “Cruising,” "Peeping Tom," and "Blow-Up" enhance the tension, especially when Rick finds himself the voyeur, detective, and potential victim. This suspense, however, often dwindles due to an awkward voiceover capturing Rick’s thoughts, and an underwhelming secondary cast. Even when Rick chooses to revisit the dreaded crime scene, his internal monologue, told to the audience, saps the mystery from Díaz’s performance.
The heart of the film lies in Díaz's portrayal of Rick. His character's grief over past and present trials comes across compellingly. Consequently, any references or flashbacks to incidents predating the movie appear redundant. Rick radiates a sense of melancholy, connecting with others in the Ramble through his camera before exhibiting vulnerability. Brown delivers a chilling performance as the remorseless antagonist, his icy-blue eyes matching a sharp killing blade.
The low-budget nature of the movie surfaces in Verow's cinematography. Despite employing some compelling visual effects, it occasionally misfires – such as the unnaturally crisp digital format that jars with the 90’s setting. The sound design leaves something to be desired, marred by rookie blunders such as untreated echoes on set.
Despite its shortcomings, "You Can't Stay Here" is worth viewing, especially due to Díaz's captivating performance amidst an ungainly script and less-experienced actors. Díaz's sincerity stands apart in a film interspersed with half-hearted humor. His delivery of a nuanced portrayal brings forth an eerie ambiance-which even an exquisitely-dressed demon fails to conjure.
