Review of Lake Mungo (2009) by Drew S — 23 Jun 2010

I read about this not knowing it was part of the After Dark Horrorfest, the output of which has been...uh...dubious. I haven't seen many of the festival's movies, but then from what I've heard, I haven't had a reason to.

My tentative disappointment upon seeing that shitty After Dark trailer was short-lived. Lake Mungo, a roaring standout in the rarely notable field of Australian horror, is a mysterious Lynchian delight.

I'd hesitate to call it scary, but the film is filled with a pervasive sense of dread and sadness, and there are numerous chilling reveals that form knots in your stomach. A documentary-style exploration of a couple dealing with the inexplicable drowning of their daughter Alice, exceptional performances and editorial framing maximize the impact of this slightly familiar tale.

Perhaps my one disappointment comes from a mid-movie plot revelation. It's clever, and deftly resculpts many of the events that come before it, but it leaves you wondering how the movie's going to top it.

..which it never really does. In terms of direct occurrences in the story line, things are revealed to be a little simpler than we are initially led to believe. There's nothing wrong with this approach - in fact, it contributes to the movie's winning simplicity - but Lake Mungo left me wanting more, which I say in the most positive way.

I wouldn't come here looking for jump scares or a sensational story, but if you're looking for a quiet, nightmarish little yarn that waxes and wanes supernatural, you should absolutely give this a shot.

It'll stick with you.