I came away with mixed feelings after watching The Lodge. Many parts were super relatable. Firstly, grieving over the loss of a mother or loved one. My mother recently passed away so that hit home. Secondly, Parents going through a divorce. Finally, the awkwardness of an introduction to the soon to be step-parent.
For those reasons, you could get emotionally vested with the characters in The Lodge. However, the plot’s where they lost me. Are we believing the father (Richard) would take his two children, (Mian & Aiden) to spend 2 days alone with someone (Grace) they hate and never met? Three days before Christmas, at a secluded lodge miles away from anything? Likewise, keeping in mind their mother committed suicide six months earlier?
The set – stunning. Beautifully set over-sized lodge style home leering over a giant frozen lake tundra, seemingly in the middle of nowhere. The scenes containing extreme weather conditions were well done. Especially when Grace braves the elements.
Jaeden Martell (Aiden) along with Lia McHugh (Mia) do an exceptional job convincing us they’re empathetic, sad children. Mourning the loss of their beloved mother. Necessary for the plot of the movie.
Also, Riley Keough‘s interpretation of misunderstood emotionally abused step-mom Grace gets a thumbs up. Watching her very believable mental decline made me feel for her. I envision that’s how it would go for me if I were in her position.
Given the minuscule complexities of his character, Richard Armitage does what he can. Clearly oblivious of the feelings of his children focused on his own happiness.
Furthermore, the pacing of the film… painful. We knew from the earliest moments the kids didn’t like Grace and wanted nothing to do with her. It’s continuously shown, over shown then drilled into you. As a result, the film tends to drag on.
The main purpose? Suspense. My issue… subsequently, the payoff isn’t worth the price of admission. Too much time’s spent setting you up for a big reveal. A reveal that proves to be lackluster.
Just like Goodnight Mommy ’14 where Directors Veronika Franz, Severin Fiala, previously teamed up. Mom’s being tortured by two kids.
I give it three skulls. Two and a half for the movie, half for having Alicia Silverstone. Even for fifteen minutes, my nineties crush delivers some shock value. Keep your expectations low and you’ll find it enjoyable. It’s worth a watch.
Seen it?
Seen it on Hulu few hours ago was not very good!
It’s a shame, it could’ve been so much better.
I thought it was a poor rip off of the shining.
I couldn’t agree more!
Great movie one of my favorites should be in theaters if not for covid
Wally – I’m glad you enjoyed it. What about it did you enjoy the most?
The kids were terrible
I could picture this happening
I wouldn’t put anything past kids these days!
I am going to check out this movie as soon as possible.
I’d love to know your thoughts after you see it!
I was able to rent it on Amazon using a free credit.
I liked the movie but at the same time i felt like it took too long to get to the point.
That’s right along with what I was thinking. I’m glad you used a free credit to see it.
Great article keep up the good work!
Thank you! I’m thrilled to be a part of the team ?
Glad to have you on the team very glad!
I feel like this film was hollywood’s big studio (universal pictures) attempt at cashing in on the success of Ari Aster. Even down to the incorporation of miniatures, which in my opinion, served no purpose in this movie. I had been lookong forward to this for a really long time, not realizing how derivative it was going to be.
I agree the miniatures didn’t make sense at all. Seems like Hollywood is starved for content. So much so that they will continue pushing out movies that lean heavily on referencing successful ones. Even if the references don’t apply.