Review of Eden Lake (2008) by Dan Y — 05 Sep 2009

A different type of horror movie. Rather than a frightening creature or a demonic force out to get the lovely leading lady and her man, it's a group of heartless teenagers, most of whom have not an ounce of remorse. This is equally as scary and disturbing as even the most horrific monster due to the fact that it isn't too far fetched. There have been cases in which children have inflicted awful violence upon not only other children, but adults.

Jenny and Steve go to a flooded quarry (that has become a nice lake) for a romantic weekend, just the two of them. Steve even plans to pop the question to Jenny, but all is ruined when a small rabble of teens cross paths with them. Things don't go beyond insults and harassment at first, but it escalates after the kids steal Steve's car and go for a joy ride. Trying to get the keys and his wallet back, the group's leader's dog dies in a scuffle. Of course they blame Steve, never mind that one of them let the dog get loose as another was attempting to stab Steve with a pocket knife. But they're psychopaths, you can't expect anything less.

After revealing their inhuman sadism, Jenny and Steve manage to get away which leads to her going on her own to find help due to her boyfriend's injuries being so serious. This movie is a testament to not only what happens when children have terrible parents, but why you should carry a gun with you even if you're hanging out in the middle of nowhere. Yes, I know it's set in England, but screw their anti-gun law.

One of the most disturbing movies I've ever seen. It actually made me lose sleep. Be warned, it does not have a happy ending.