Proclaiming from the very beginning that “The Man in the White Van,” is a true version of events, Warren Skeels, directorial debut wants you to remember the 80’s. Set in a picturesque town in 1974 Florida, this is the loosely inspired story about the crimes committed by serial killer Billy Mansfield Jr. The rest of the story is probably more centered on the urban myth of the man in the white van.
Sure Billy Mansfield Jr. was a convicted serial killer. Subsequently, some of the scenes in this thriller movie follow the same narrative as some of the crimes he committed. But overall, this is a movie that just wants the nerves to be wrecked and does an ample job of trying.
The movie opens with a campground with a young girl collecting firewood. In a confronting example of a parent’s worst nightmare, a white van is shown in the shot as the girl drops the sticks to the ground. Moments later, as two adults sit talking outside their tent, the white van is shown driving past in the forefront. What got me was the filmmakers capturing that spine-tingling moment when one of the adults looks over his shoulder momentarily. That spider sense gut feeling split second that tells your lizard brain there is something to see. And then he returns his attention to the conversation.
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Warren Skeels explores the depths of terror, paranoia, and the fragile illusion of security for almost the entire runtime. While we are shown snippets of The Man in the White Van’s exploits in the background, the main crux revolves around one girl, Annie William. Harnessed around her love of horses and a politely wealthy family, Annie is built into a “Boy Who Cried Wolf” ethos. Who needs a local police chief to not believe your stories when you can have a family that just thinks you make up stories all the time? It figures perfectly that Annie ends up the target of a man in a white van lurking around every corner.
Penned by both Sharon Y. Cobb and Warren Skeels “The Man in the White Van” really does capture the powerlessness of its central character. Bordering on going too far with pushing what might be plausible or not, there are moments where I was tested. Annie tells quite a few people about this creepy white van and at first being waved away makes perfect sense. However, as a parent, I can tell you that I know the difference between a wild tale embellished involving snakes and seeing a white van consistently known around the world as something that might be worth looking into. However, the use of this prop is only a small complaint.
The Man in the White Van Movie Trailer 2023
On the upside, the ensemble cast in The Man in the White Van all complete the perfectly set aesthetic of whispered dangers in the 70s and 80s. Sean Astin and Ali Larter star as spouses to Margaret (Brec Bassinger) Daniel (Gavin Warren) and Annie (Madison Wolfe.) Cinematographer Gareth Paul Cox weaves his magic through immersive visuals that add depth and intrigue to the narrative. Complementing the suspenseful story is the haunting score by Scott Borland, which serves to engage the panic button when the story ramps up.
Overall, The Man in the White Van is a solid and entertaining thriller movie that will force you to remember every time your mom or dad told you to be back before dark. For good reason.
The Man in the White Van is rated
3 Creepy men in white vans out of 5
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