One of the best things about Netflix is its ability to give a second wind to films that were overlooked at the time of their release [This psycho-thriller, released in 2020, didn't make a big splash when it was released four years ago, but its recent arrival on Netflix has allowed the film to find a deservedly larger audience

"Alone" currently ranks second on Netflix's most-watched movies list It is behind Millie Bobby Brown's new fantasy film "Damsel," but ahead of "Super Mario Brothers Movie" and the 90s thriller "Fear" starring Reese Witherspoon and Mark Wahlberg

If you've never seen "Alone//" and want to learn a little more about it before adding it to your watch list, you've come to the right place! We'll give you all the details you need about this adrenaline-pumping thriller

"Alone" centers on the nightmarish experiences of a woman who is relentlessly pursued by an obsessive stalker

Jessica, played by Jules Wilcox, is recently widowed and, in order to escape her traumatic past, packs all of her possessions into a U-Haul trailer and hits the open road But things get creepy when she spots a man (Mark Menchaca) who appears to be following her

When the man's reckless driving nearly causes an accident, Jessica thinks her unsettling experience is over, but at a rest stop a short distance away, the man reappears and attempts to engage Jessica in conversation Sensing danger, Jessica hurriedly tried to drive away, but this was only the beginning of her ordeal

The man's truck is blocking the exit, and alarm bells start ringing in Jessica's head when he asks for a ride She refuses and quickly drives away, but this shadowy figure is not so easily shaken off, and Jessica soon runs into him again

From there, the man's true nature is revealed, and Jessica is caught in a life-and-death bargain

"Alone" was warmly received by critics back in 2020 and currently holds an impressive score of 91% on the comprehensive review site Rotten Tomatoes However, viewers did not seem to appreciate the film as much, with an audience score of only 54%

Kevin Krusted of the Los Angeles Times declared that "first-rate performances by Jules Wilcox and Mark Menchaca provide 98 minutes of heart-pounding entertainment" Meanwhile, The Hollywood Reporter's Frank Scheck felt that the film "feels familiar but keeps you on the edge of your seat"

Janet Catzouris of the New York Times was similarly impressed with Alone This minimalist survival thriller unfolds with such elegant simplicity and single-minded vigor that its frustrations are easily excused" Dennis Harvey of Variety also called it "tense and muscular suspense"

Not all critics were fans, however; Ody Henderson of RogerEbertcom argued that "'Alone' gives us little reason to care whether the protagonist makes it out alive" Some critics also noted that the film's minimalist style and slow initial pacing may be off-putting to some audiences

If you are looking for a thriller without a twist, you may find "Alone" a bit underwhelming However, if you can appreciate a carefully considered film that takes its time to build a disturbing atmosphere and puts its protagonist in a very difficult situation, then you need to see this dramatic thriller

Critics have specifically praised the performances of Wilcox and Menchaca, and it is not difficult to see why With an extremely small cast, "Alone" rests almost entirely on their shoulders, and both do a phenomenal job In addition, director John Hyams keeps the suspense at a pleasantly high level once things get moving

Also, "Alone" is only 98 minutes long, making it perfect for those who want to watch a movie that takes all night to finish There's a lot to like about this tense thriller, and now that it's on Netflix is the perfect time to watch it

For more recommendations, check out our roundup of the best new movies to stream this week and our guide to Netflix's new fantasy blockbuster "Damsel"