The Lodge – Film Review

The Lodge, a psychological horror film released in 2019, directed by Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala, ventures into the murky depths of human psyche, religion, grief, and trauma. The movie, set against a desolate winter landscape, serves a chilling concoction of atmospheric tension, character exploration, and psychological terror. Anchored by compelling performances and a haunting narrative, The Lodge grips audiences with its unnerving portrayal of isolation and the unraveling of the human mind.

At the heart of the film lies a tale of psychological manipulation and the fragility of human emotions. Grace (played by Riley Keough), a young woman with a traumatic past stemming from a religious cult, finds herself thrust into an isolated cabin with her fiancé Richard (Richard Armitage)’s children, Aidan (Jaeden Martell) and Mia (Lia McHugh). As the trio navigates their strained relationships, tensions mount due to Grace’s troubled history and her attempted integration into the family.

The setting itself becomes a character in the narrative—a snow-laden, desolate landscape amplifying the feeling of isolation and claustrophobia. The lodge’s remote location and the chilling cold form a backdrop that intensifies the characters’ psychological turmoil, evoking a sense of foreboding that persists throughout the film.

The film’s pacing is deliberate, allowing the tension to simmer gradually. The directors employ a slow-burn approach, creating an atmosphere of unease that permeates every scene. The use of minimalistic sound design and stark cinematography heightens the sense of isolation and dread, leaving audiences on edge as they navigate the characters’ unraveling mental states.

Riley Keough’s portrayal of Grace is a standout performance, showcasing her character’s vulnerability and inner turmoil. Her haunting past, intertwined with her attempts to bond with Richard’s children, forms the crux of the film’s emotional depth. Keough masterfully captures Grace’s fragility, conveying a sense of unease that lingers long after the movie concludes.

The film skillfully delves into themes of grief, trauma, and the intricacies of family dynamics. It meticulously peels back the layers of its characters, exposing their vulnerabilities and the haunting effects of past experiences. The exploration of religion and its impact on Grace’s psyche adds another layer of complexity, questioning faith and the boundaries between reality and delusion.

The narrative takes unexpected twists and turns, blurring the lines between reality and hallucination, leaving the audience questioning the characters’ perceptions. The directors expertly manipulate the viewer’s expectations, weaving a web of uncertainty that keeps the audience guessing until the film’s chilling climax.

However, The Lodge may not cater to audiences seeking conventional horror tropes or jump scares. Its horror lies more in its psychological depth and the slow unraveling of the characters’ minds rather than in overtly terrifying moments. Some viewers might find the deliberate pacing challenging, and the film’s ambiguity may leave them craving more closure or a clearer resolution.

Additionally, while the film’s ambiguity contributes to its unsettling nature, it might leave some viewers feeling unsatisfied or confused by the open-ended conclusion. The deliberate ambiguity in storytelling may polarize audiences, with some appreciating its thought-provoking nature while others might find it frustrating.

The Lodge stands as a gripping psychological horror film that delves deep into the human psyche. With compelling performances, a chilling atmosphere, and a haunting narrative, it offers an unsettling exploration of trauma, grief, and the fragile nature of sanity. While its deliberate pacing and ambiguous storytelling may not cater to all tastes, those who appreciate psychological depth and atmospheric tension will find themselves drawn into the chilling world crafted by Franz and Fiala.