The Lodge

I attended the east coast premiere of "The Lodge" a few weeks ago and can say it will most likely be 2020's most polarizing and divisive horror release. If you've seen Franz & Fiala's last film, "Goodnight Mommy," you'll have an idea of what to expect in terms of tone and themes. The cinematography is breathtaking, and Riley Keough's performance is unbelievable. Like "Mommy" the central characters are two siblings who are up against some sort of unknown/unstable maternal presence while existing in isolation. Instead of a vast, lonely European farm, "The Lodge" features exactly what the title suggests -- a mountain lodge in the middle of nowhere. It's so well done that you can almost feel the icy frost in the theater as the film progresses. Franz & Fiala take a lot of cues from Ari Aster, ESPECIALLY "Midsommar," in depicting sudden tragedy and brutal, existential grief that consistently drips off the screen. Additionally, there are underlying themes of mental illness and psychosis that are done really well and tactfully -- although I might add it may not seem so at first. Sorry if that's cryptic, I just don't want to give any spoilers. The ending will knock you on your ass. I couldn't move after the screening, I was frozen for half the credit roll, and couldn't stop thinking about it for days. I highly recommend "The Lodge" for fans of Aster's work, or if you liked "Goodnight Mommy" and want more of the same slow-burn insanity.

My prediction is that most people will hate this movie, because it does not set out simply to please the audience or to exist for the mere purpose of being entertaining. It's heavy-handed psychological horror. It's a slow burner. Things will happen in the plot that will upset you. Not EVERYTHING about this movie worked for me, but I still liked it quite a lot - especially thinking back on it. Riley Keough is one of my favorite new-school actresses working right now, and she fully brings believability to her plagued character in this - she keeps you guessing. It was amazing to see Alicia Silverstone in this. It was kind of a shocking change of pace for her, especially after not seeing her for so long. The children really did a great job in this film as well, maintaining the somber tone. This movie has one of the best setups I have seen for a psychological horror film in a long time. The first half hour sets the viewer up for absolute disaster, and, well, what do you think happens? When the movie was over, I left feeling SHOOK! I felt so uneasy, literally a bit shaky! The viewer receives no forgiveness! This is bold horror filmmaking - much better than 80% of contemporary horror. If you have patience and a taste for genuine darkness, you may find yourself very pleased with this film.

I waited a year to see this movie because the trailer looked phenomenal & Holly crap what a complete and utter waste of anticipation !!!!!!!!!!!!!! IT SUCKED !!!!!!!!!!!!!!