Review of Eden Lake (2008) by Julian T — 05 Mar 2012

This was actually a pretty pleasant surprise from a movie I wasn't expecting much from. Its not going to win any awards for its originality. Dozens of films have very similar plot lines ie. 'Them', 'Deliverance', 'The Strangers', Wolf Creek', etc but the real feel and overall grittiness on display here puts it in pretty good company.

First and foremost on the list of things the film does well is the performances from its cast. Every actor turns in a fine showing, particularly Fassbender and Reilly as the leads. They are able to portray very believable real life characters which makes what happens to them all the more unsettling. The band of villains are all very good too, highlighted by O'Connell who creates a truly reprehensible character who you seriously hate. A great script ties the good acting together, making it just feel real.

The direction is tight. Well utilized compositions echo a claustrophobic feeling that the film really captures. Good lighting and cinematography are on display as well. Definitely a well put together film. The score is mostly good, but lost me in several instances.

As I said, the story isn't anything original or particularly special, but it is shown in a realistic and quite disturbing manor here. I have to say that it drags a bit in the beginning, but it does ramp up the suspense rather nicely. I don't know if the social commentary is quite as subtle as the filmmakers thought it was, but it was a little overly obvious at the end. I also have to point out that in real life, Fassbender could probably have just beaten the shit out 5 preteens and that would have been it.

(SPOILER ALERT) The fact that it goes against the typical Hollywood ending is both a blessing and a curse. It is unconventional, but I'm having a hard time remembering another movie in which I wanted so badly for an antagonist to get what they deserve, and I was left totally hung out to dry. I have to give the film makers a bit of credit to go against what was expected and to not give the audience what they wanted, but I was really wanting to see O'Connell get his.

When looking at the film as a whole, its realism, suspense, dialogue and acting overwhelm its done before story. Expertly constructed technically, and a pretty disturbing flick. An under the radar horror/thriller that I would certainly recommend.