The Lodge (2020)★★★★★

For better or worse (mostly better, I think), it’s been a while since I’ve watched an endlessly dark and bleak film. This movie ends that streak with a bang (umm… apologizes in spoiler).

I think what I appreciate most about the darkness and bleakness of this film, though, is that there’s a purpose to it. You aren’t left wondering why because you get a pretty clear (if incredibly depressing) explanation.

This is a slow-burn film whose pacing works really well for me. There’s not a lot of “action” per se, but there’s a lot of intrigue, and a lot of emotion, and a lot of creepy tension. By the time you realize what’s been going on, things have been set into motion that just can’t be stopped.

Much of this movie hinges on the performance of the two children, and both Lia McHugh (Sprite from our household’s favorite Marvel movie, Eternals) and Jaeden Martell (who has been in a few other titles I’ve watched this year) truly deliver. This movie feels like what Barricade tried and failed to be.

The atmosphere, the story, the darkness, the sheer reality of everything happening…this movie is creepy, and it knows it. If you’re in the mood to depress, horrify, and creep yourself out…this is the movie for you.