THE LODGE (2020)

 

Directed By: Veronika Franz & Severin Fiala Written by: Veronika Franz, Severin Fiala & Sergio Casci  Cinematography: Thimios Bakatakis  Editor: Michael Palm

Cast: Riley Keough, Alicia Silverstone, Jaeden Martell, Lia Mchugh, Richard Armitage 

A soon-to-be stepmom is snowed in with her fiancé's two children at a remote holiday village. Just as relations begin to thaw between the trio, some strange and frightening events take place.

The film’s Style is what becomes more memorable. As it seems set by the directors. The style and story feel similar to their first feature GOODBYE MOMMY. As this also is a slow burn thriller that seems to have an adult and two children secluded in close quarters with one another and seemingly needing each other to survive.

While one is up for a good slow burn in a thriller especially if it has a worthy pay off. This film comes off as dull. As it has many twists and turns that are shocking but also once we get to the end. You wonder why and the reasoning for the twists and turns make no sense and depends on the audience's suspension of disbelief or the old adage kids will be kids. 

Though when dealing with a character who survived a horrific incident even before we are introduced to them. First of all, you wonder why the father would bring someone they were dating and knew had mental problems around their children who are already traumatized but then also leave them with her alone.

Sort of like the opening scene where we see the familiar face of Alicia Silverstone dripping ehr kids off to their father who tells her he wants to go through with the divorce and she just immediately locks herself in a room and Killa herself with little to no explanation. We in the audience are just left to assume she has problems with such an extreme act 

This film tries to be THE OTHERS only in reverse it feels. 

The film isn’t bad as Riley Keough again. Gives a shattering good performance. The rest fit eh cast do what they are supposed to do and the direction is on point but the script needs a bit of work. 

As the script seems made to fit the direction more than the story here. As it feels more conceptualized then lived in. This leaves the audience wanting more or at least to show the worm in supporting the film's plot points. As the film comes off too vague then just ends.

Where as by the end. One can’t help what they enjoy or are entertained but here it feels like this film's praise is more for style over substance. Even if in the end if for all the ingredients that work. It comes off as a letdown. 

Grade: C