PLOT: A pair’s trip at a secluded property is upended after they’re pressured to share the mansion with a mysterious couple. A dream getaway spirals right into a nightmarish maze of intercourse, lies, and manipulation, triggering a battle for survival.
REVIEW: Isolation and horror go collectively like peanut butter and jelly. Put a set of characters in a spot, distant from civilization, and the probabilities for terror appear infinite. I additionally at all times love a film that blends genres, and if there are two that I really like, it’s erotic thrillers and revenge tales. Bone Lake combines the 2 with a little bit of darkish comedy within the center and provides us an fascinating have a look at a struggling relationship and intense manipulation.
Bone Lake follows Sage (Hasson) and Diego (Pigossi) as they’re setting out on a weekend away at a pleasant AirBNB. Diego has not too long ago stop his job and is attempting his hand at writing a guide. Sage, alternatively, is the only real supplier and has been stressed as a result of entire scenario. And it’s resulted in some battle between the 2, which Diego appears virtually unaware of. It doesn’t assist that the AirBNB was double-booked, and a second couple, Will and Cin, have encroached on their area. The 2 {couples} resolve to only courageous it collectively, which is a call they could come to remorse.
Maddie Hasson carries the movie as Sage, as she manages to make her each likable and a bit mysterious. And I’m certain many individuals will relate to the connection that’s strained attributable to shifting energy dynamics. I discovered Marco Pigossi‘s Diego to be the weaker link in the couple, but that’s merely how the character is written. He’s a bit pathetic and clueless; nonetheless, he’s lastly in a position to get some company by the top. I additionally actually acquired a kick out of the opposite couple performed by Alex Roe and Andra Nechita. They’re very snug with their sexuality and are greater than able to push the boundaries of an already fragile relationship. I do assume they might have pushed a bit additional with a few of their makes an attempt, and there are some components that really feel a bit left of the desk.
I actually cherished how a lot Bone Lake begins off with a bang, organising the villains of the piece in each a brutal however mysterious manner. To not point out that includes one of the vital brutal deaths I’ve seen shortly. Made me intrigued from minute one as to the place this story would go. And, with Hasson being so likable, caring about her destiny was additionally made straightforward. Admittedly, the title of the movie doesn’t actually really feel tremendous apropos by the point the credit roll. There’s a weak clarification, nevertheless it feels extra like exposition to suit with the title, versus truly representing the story at play.
Admittedly, there are some pacing points that current themselves, because the movie goes in circles a bit, ready for the horror to kick into excessive gear. We get it, Sage and Diego have a sophisticated relationship and the opposite couple is clearly very adventurous with their intercourse life. I really feel like extra consideration is given to the weaker a part of the story, versus the very robust ultimate act, which may have simply been prolonged. As such, there’s an underlying rigidity within the movie, nevertheless it’s principally psychological. By the point the characters truly are pressured to cope with a life-and-death scenario, all of it occurs so rapidly, and I want it had been drawn out a bit extra.
In the end, I actually loved my time with Bone Lake. It’s not a brilliant deep thriller, however I loved how the narrative was introduced. The characters are consistently manipulating one another in so many ways in which it stored me on my toes. It may be a bit excessive on the instances, however by no means escalates in direction of absurdity. I actually loved the revenge aspect that get’s launched in its second act and located the movie very satisfying general. I proceed to be a giant fan of Hasson, who may be very likable and brings a quiet power to Sage, who has a lot effervescent beneath the floor. I really feel like Bone Lake goes to essentially catch on with audiences.
Bone Lake is taking part in In Theaters on October third, 2025.
