Watch Neverlake

Set in the beautiful Italian countryside near Tuscany, "Neverlake" is a haunting and chilling tale of suspense and mystery. This independent horror film from director Riccardo Paoletti, that first premiered in 2013, tells the story of Jenny (Daisy Keeping), a young American girl who returns to Italy to visit her father following her mother's untimely death.

Upon arrival, Jenny discovers that her father is not there and has left her a cryptic message telling her to stay at the house and wait for him to return. Unbeknownst to her, she will be embarking on a journey that will change her life forever. Jenny meets a group of young boys, one of whom is named Timo (David Brandon), who is the son of the housekeeper Luisa (Joy Tanner), and who becomes her guide and confidant during her stay.

As the days progress, Jenny finds herself drawn to the mysterious Neverlake by the eerie nature of the location and her own curiosity. She learns about ancient Etruscan legends regarding the lake and their traditions, but also about how the lake may be affecting Timo's health in strange ways. Timo and Jenny team up to uncover the secrets of the Neverlake, and this leads them on a journey that takes them beyond what they could ever imagine.

Jenny starts to experience strange happenings and becomes convinced that something is not right about the lake, the mansion, the village, and everyone in it. She learns that the area is full of secrets and that her father may be involved in some way. With the help of Timo, she unravels the mystery behind the Neverlake, and eventually confronts the truth about herself, the lake, and her father.

One of the most enticing things about "Neverlake" is its stunning visuals, thanks to the picturesque Florence countryside, which is captured beautifully throughout the film. The film's cinematography captures the eeriness and otherworldly feel of the surrounding area, and the color grading establishes a surreal and unsettling atmosphere. The score by Andrea Bonini is also fittingly haunting, often adding to the suspense and eerie mood of the film.

Additionally, the lead performances from Daisy Keeping and David Brandon are strong, given their young ages, and they both successfully convey the complexity of their characters. Viewers will find themselves empathizing with the journey of Jenny and Timo, as they unravel the secrets of the Neverlake and uncover the truth behind their own identities.

While "Neverlake" may not be a film that would appeal to all moviegoers, it succeeds in creating an unsettling and suspenseful experience, pulling audiences into its mesmerizing and spooky world. It encourages the viewer to keep up with the clues dropped along the way, and ultimately leaves them pondering long after the credits have rolled. This movie's execution is impressive and it leaves an indelible impression on those who immerse themselves into its tale of mystery, legends, and truth. Overall, "Neverlake" is a satisfying and worthy addition to the genre of horror films that will leave a lasting impression on its audience.

Neverlake is a 2013 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.3.