This film is based on a true story. The film’s approach causes viewers to wonder what the journey is going to entail. He Went That Way opens with a narrative that is sarcastic and negative. It continues with a blurry and somewhat bizarre approach. Surprisingly, the film gets slightly more attention-grabbing as it progresses. The movie pushes the limits of mental stressors due to its blindsiding moments. Director Jeffrey Darling (who died on March 27, 2022) delivers a film based on actual events where the tension caused by heightening dangers is extreme. He Went That Way is full of unexpected surprises which make it quite entertaining.

The film takes place in the 1960s and features Jim (played by Zachary Quinto) who is traveling with his chimpanzee Spanky. Jim and Spanky do circus shows, but they have hit some plateaus and are struggling. While Jim is trying to make his way to Chicago with Spanky, he faces some financial burdens which only add to his mental frustration. His tension grows worsewhen Bobby (played by Jacob Elordi) joins him on the road trip. Bobby has been discharged from the Air Force due to his dangerous behavior and is involved in some crime scenarios. Once Bobby enters Jim’s car, he puts Jim and Spanky at risk. Bobby holds Jim hostage for the duration of the trip and threatens to kill him. As the trip continues, Jim continuously tries to negotiate with Bobby.  This leads to a detrimental ride of unnerving tension that proves irresistible in He Went That Way.

The road trip experience makes the audience curious about the logic in the story. What is on the other side for Jim and Spanky? What is on the other side for Bobby? Is Bobby truly going to put Jim’s life at risk? The car ride and the personality clash between the two lead characters shifts back and forth. The writing is strong and does its part to keep the audience feeling nervous about what may happen if things go into a downward spiral. With the turmoil and anxiety rising, I kept wondering who would pull the trigger. Will it be Bobby or Jim? Or will Spanky go into maniac mode? The three of them all have certain threatening traits which keeps things interesting.

I found the experience of watching He Went That Way exceeded my expectations. There are moments where it feels mediocre, but the dangerous parts are attention-grabbing. The film’s direction is anxiety-provoking as well as clever, interesting, and engrossing. With Jim and Spanky in danger, I kept wondering if the chimpanzee would go bananas. Or would Bobby? Who will have an outburst first? The suspense leads to a whirlwind of a ride.

The film is quite nerve-wracking because it consistentlyblindsides the audience. He Went That Way is not amazing buthas some unexpected twists even though the film’s writing is all over the place. Because I enjoy some adventure mixed with danger, I was enthralled. Three out of four stars for He Went That Way.