Two couples clash in a double-booked vacation home in ‘Bone Lake,’ horror that’s mostly ripple-free

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Mercedes Bryce Morgan’s horror film, “Bone Lake”, starts with a surprisingly bold opening and ends with a very graphic, bloody scene. The song “Sex and Violence” by the U.K. punk band the Exploited essentially tells you what the film is about: the connection between sex and violence. However, what happens between these shocking scenes isn’t really a typical horror movie. It’s more of a psychological thriller, similar to “Funny Games”, but with two young, attractive couples. The basic premise is also reminiscent of the movie “Barbarian.”

Okay, so I just read the script by Joshua Friedlander, and the setup is pretty fun. Basically, this couple, Will (played by Alex Roe) and Cin (Andra Nechita), accidentally show up at this remote rental mansion only to find another couple, Sage (Maddie Hasson) and Diego (Marco Pigossi), already there! It turns out the place was double-booked. Instead of causing a scene, they all decide to just stay and make the best of it. They even agree to settle any awkwardness with a good old-fashioned game of rock-paper-scissors for the house if things get… well, you know, “weird.” It’s a clever little premise!

Things quickly take a turn. Though Diego and Sage initially appeared content, the confident and free-spirited Will and Cin have a knack for exposing underlying vulnerabilities, discovering weaknesses in their relationship, and exploiting them. Before long, their unfulfilling intimate life is being questioned, and Sage’s frustration with having to financially support Diego as he pursues his writing career begins to surface.

Similar to many horror films where a weekend trip goes wrong (like “Speak No Evil”), the woman in the couple senses something is off, but her partner ignores her concerns because he wants the trip to continue. In this case, Diego is hopeful that Cin will share his writing with an author she claims to work for. They ignore warning signs, miss chances to leave, and fully commit to spending time with this reckless couple, which includes drinking, playing games, exploring hidden rooms, and avoiding unwanted sexual advances from both of them.

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Morgan, along with cinematographer Nick Matthews, creates a visually appealing setting through vibrant colors and inventive camera work. However, some scenes are noticeably dark and poorly lit, even if this could be explained by the story’s events – like a power outage during a storm.

The middle part of the story has energy and flair, particularly when Will and Cin lure and tease their victims. However, the dramatic finale feels rushed and lacks build-up or tension; it’s simply an overwhelming display of violence – arriving too late to have a real impact.

Are there any other characters who feel a bit one-dimensional? Roe and Nechita don’t bring much nuance to their performances. Roe’s Will feels like a dangerous, but not very bright, man; and Nechita’s Cin is an exaggeratedly mischievous character as she tries to seduce both Diego and Sage. While Hasson’s Sage is believable as a determined independent journalist, you question if she’s very familiar with close female friendships, given how easily Cin manipulates her. Pigossi’s portrayal of the self-absorbed novelist, though, is spot-on – he’s perfectly clueless about everything around him.

At the heart of “Bone Lake” lies a potentially captivating idea: a blend of sexual tension and violence, reminiscent of the narratives we often see in true crime. However, the major plot twist in the third act feels under-explained, and the performances don’t quite convey the necessary depth to make the story truly resonate. There simply isn’t enough motivation driving the key reveal, and the acting isn’t strong enough to hint at something more profound.

“Bone Lake” offers up an appealing surface but it’s ultimately too shallow to get you immersed.

Katie Walsh is a Tribune News Service film critic.

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2025-10-04 02:31