John Rosman’s New Life presents itself as a high-stakes thriller laced with mystery and apocalypse. With Sonya Walger and Hayley Erin anchoring the film, their commendable performances provide much-needed gravity to a narrative that struggles to find its footing. Unfortunately, even their efforts can’t fully redeem a story that drags its way through prolonged build-up before stumbling into its climactic moments.

The plot follows a mysterious woman on the run and a resourceful fixer tasked with tracking her down. Their entwined fates drive the film’s central tension, but the execution is hindered by pacing issues and an over-reliance on cryptic storytelling. While the promise of apocalyptic stakes looms in the background, the narrative spends too much time spinning its wheels, leaving viewers yearning for something—anything—to justify the drawn-out setup.

When the film finally pivots to a zombie/plague-like outbreak, it injects a much-needed sense of urgency. The chaotic and visceral energy in these moments hints at what the film could have been had it embraced this intensity earlier. Unfortunately, by the time the action kicks in, the payoff feels like too little, too late, leaving the audience more exhausted than exhilarated.

Despite the lacklustre pacing, Sonya Walger and Hayley Erin stand out as the film’s saving grace. Walger brings a steely determination to her role, while Erin portrays vulnerability and resilience with equal skill. Their dynamic holds the viewer’s attention even as the story falters, offering glimpses of what could have been a more compelling character-driven thriller.

Rosman’s direction showcases moments of visual flair, particularly in the film’s apocalyptic sequences, but these flashes of brilliance are undermined by a script that stretches thin. The potential for a gripping, high-stakes narrative is evident but remains unrealised, bogged down by a lack of momentum and clarity.

New Life ultimately feels like a missed opportunity—a story with intriguing elements and strong performances that’s let down by uneven execution. While the film’s latter half provides some excitement, it can’t quite overcome the sluggish pacing and underdeveloped narrative that precedes it.

If you’re a fan of slow-burn thrillers and compelling lead performances, New Life might hold some appeal, but for most, it’s likely to be a frustrating watch.

• Saul Muerte

New Life will be streaming in Shudder from Monday 27th Jan.