EDEN LAKE (2008)

Written & Directed: James Watkins 
Cinematography By: Christopher Ross 
Editor: Jon Harris 

 Cast: Michael Fassbender, Kelly Reilly, Thomas Turgoose, Tara Ellis, Jack O’Connell

Nursery teacher Jenny and her boyfriend Steve, escape for a romantic weekend away. Steve, planning to propose, has found an idyllic setting: a remote lake enclosed by woodlands and seemingly deserted. The couple's peace is shattered when a gang of obnoxious kids encircles their campsite. Reveling in provoking the adults, the gang steals the couple's belongings and vandalizes their car leaving them completely stranded. When Steve confronts them, tempers flare and he suffers a shocking and violent attack. Fleeing for help, Jenny is subject to a brutal and relentless game of cat-and-mouse as she desperately tries to evade her young pursuers and find her way out of the woods.

This is the film WOLF CREEK should have been. It's just pure viciousness that remains true to it's nature. It even reminds me of the film WHO CAN KILL A CHILD. While having it's own identity. It’s a under the radar gem That is a stark and shocking thriller.

The movie starts off just ok and I wasn't looking likely was going to get any better. Just your run of the mill type of thriller, but as the movie goes on. It kicks it into high hear and becomes quite the show stopper.

The parts of the film I liked we're the sociopathic leader who regards animals lives more emotionally then human life. And how the gang was all for terrorizing the couple, but when it comes to killing they start to gain consciences and feel guilt. Showing their age.

It gets confusing as two characters all of a sudden just disappear and nothing Is ever mentioned of them again.

From the beginning knowing what type of film this is you do want the teenagers to die to a point. Yet you feel sorry and barbaric when some do, but cheer onion when others kick the bucket.

Then he sensational ending makes the film all worth it. It just leaves you with your jaw on the floor, though you kind of suspect it was coming though not in the way it does. When you see it, it goes further then your imagination. It's what really puts the film a slight notch above some of the other films of it's type and genre.

I suspect the lead actress Kelly Reilly was chosen more for her look especially her eyes as they are used constantly in close ups and shadows. She is an actress who I have been following in other films and whose star is beginning to rise finally.

Michael Fassbender Is also in this film right before he started to become a star, I kind of like his career before he became a star as he had more of a character actor’s resume and constantly shocking with his range. The roles he takes now are also big in range, but feel a bit more safe and celebrated. This is a respectful Skeleton in his closet. In this role even though kind of a yuppie dick, he doesn't deserve the things that happen to him.

This is a very cruel movie. That is why I like it and what makes it special. It manages to keep surprising you through it’s actions and violence, That feel Despicable but realistic. Some of the violence feels misplaced though eventual.

The film seems simple and like a genre exercise, but reveals a certain depth in some scenes. Showing There is more to the film then what meets the eye.

 Grade: B