Watch The Lodge

In the isolated wilderness of rural America, a psychologically dark and intense thriller unfolds in The Lodge. The movie, released in 2019, is directed by Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala, who are already known for their unique and maverick approach to storytelling. The Lodge features an ensemble cast consisting of familiar and emerging actors such as Riley Keough, Jaeden Martell, and Lia McHugh, among others.

The movie begins with the gruesome news of a cult leader's death, who was married to Grace, played by Riley Keough. The story then jumps six months ahead where we see Richard, played by Richard Armitage, planning to spend Christmas with his children, Aidan, played by Jaeden Martell, and Mia, portrayed by Lia McHugh. Richard and Grace have been seeing each other for a while, and this festive season is a chance for them to introduce their children to each other and start building a future together.

However, things take a dark turn as the family reaches the remote winter cabin owned by Richard. The harsh climate, the isolation, and Aidan and Mia's profound dislike for Grace prove to be a lethal combination. The already strained relationships get worse when Richard has to leave for his work due to an urgent issue, leaving Grace in charge of the children. Grace overcomes her initial reluctance and tries to bond with the children, but soon strange and spooky happenings put a wrench in their relationship. Suddenly, the family finds themselves trapped in the cabin as a heavy snowstorm rages outside, and mysteries start to unravel.

The Lodge conveys a deep level of unease through its meticulous crafting of the environment, both physical and psychological. Franz and Fiala masterly exploit the remote and hostile surroundings to create an all-pervading sense of claustrophobia, trapping the family members and the audience in a shared sense of doom. The directors brilliantly manipulate the audience's expectations by creating a sense of eerie tension despite the absence of jump scares or cliched horror tropes.

The interaction between the cast members is noteworthy, especially that of Keough, Martell, and McHugh. Keough's performance is the highlight, and she portrays Grace's vulnerability, strength, and confusion in a nuanced manner. Martell, known for his role in the IT movie, delivers a convincing portrayal of Aidan, who is conflicted between his love for his deceased mother and his desire to accept Grace as his stepmother. McHugh, who was also excellent in 2018's The Haunting of Hill House, portrays the younger sibling, Mia, with precision and restraint, adding a layer of complexity to the sibling-relationship arc.

The Lodge is an interesting addition to the horror/thriller genre, focusing more on the psychological traumas of the characters rather than relying on external factors like gore or violence. It emphasizes the consequences of inadequate communication and misunderstandings that can arise within a family setting. It is about experiencing the prolonged and unrelenting anxiety of being exposed to a vast, indifferent universe. The soundtrack underscores the sinister atmosphere, heightening the tension even further.

The narrative of The Lodge is not linear, and it follows a character-driven plot, which builds up slowly, allowing the viewer to empathize with the characters and understand their state of mind. The movie's climax can be polarizing, and it might not cater to everyone's expectation; however, it complements the overall narrative perfectly. The Lodge delivers a slow-burning thriller and an introspective look at human emotions, hurt, and grief, making it a satisfying and thought-provoking experience.

In conclusion, The Lodge is not your typical horror flick, but it is a gripping psychological thriller that explores family dynamics, cult mentality, and grief. It relies on the innate fears and anxieties that spring forth from isolation and abandonment, making it a disorienting and haunting movie. Franz and Fiala have crafted a unique, cerebral movie that will linger on in the viewer's mind long after the credits roll.

The Lodge is a 2020 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0 and a MetaScore of 64.