Director Osgood Perkins is nearly too good at making us squirm.
The thoughts behind “Longlegs” and “The Monkey” has established himself as horror’s subsequent wunderkind after some early profession stumbles.
Now, with “Keeper,” Perkins is taking a swing on the cabin within the woods trope. A narrative that begins with promise and builds to a nightmarish battle merely doesn’t know the place to go when it issues most.
Tatiana Maslany performs Liz, an artist in a dedicated relationship with Malcolm (Rossif Sutherland, son of Donald). The couple drives to an expansive cabin retreat for some critical snuggling.
They appear joyful on the floor, however there’s a discontent between them that’s exhausting to nail down. Screenwriter Nick Lepard retains some particulars fuzzy, whereas the celebrities construct on that sense of unease.
They’re in love however hardly snug in one another’s presence. They act like a pair on their third date, nonetheless not sure how far to press their mutual infatuation.
It’s fascinating.
Malcolm appears type and says all the best issues, however the movie bombards us with pictures of gorgeous girls in numerous states of despair. What does that imply? And why is Malcolm so fixated on a chocolate cake left behind by the cabin’s caretaker?
Hmmm.
We’ll say no extra, however “Keeper” takes that intriguing setup and lets Perkins’ visible creativeness do the remainder. Dream-like monsters invade the display. Liz turns into unsure of Malcolm’s dedication to their bond.
Liz sees disturbing pictures one second, after which they disappear after a agency eye blink.
What does all of it imply?
“Keeper” lays out the thriller in a coherent vogue, one thing that may’t all the time be mentioned of contemporary horror movies. The pacing is taut, and Maslany’s efficiency retains us engaged. She’s plausible as a sensible, resourceful girl who has been burned by love earlier than.
Tread fastidiously, she tells herself.
A story wild card? Malcolm’s unctuous cousin (Birkett Turton) drops by mid-film, including one other intriguing aspect to the combo. He’s introduced his attractive galpal (Eden Weiss) with him, however she barely speaks English and appears uncomfortable to say the least.
How will these puzzle items come collectively? And why is Perkins and co. so insistent on draping the cabin in pink herrings?
The third act needs to be a banger, and Perkins arranges some horrifying scares to grease the story’s wheels. However to what finish? The style isn’t proof against head-scratching moments. Heck, many classics serve up simply that.
What occurs in “Keeper” feels distracting, not impressed. The story ought to come to a rousing finale, not one which appears haphazardly organized for minimal influence.
That’s the scariest a part of all.
HiT or Miss: “Keeper” marks a maddening misstep for rising horror auteur Osgood Perkins, nevertheless it’s nonetheless creepy sufficient to advocate. Barely.