One film I am really looking forward to is the UK thriller Eden Lake, which was directed by James Watkins, who recently penned the sequel to THE DESCENT. Thanks to B-D reader 'Sean of the Dead', we've got ourselves a very early review for the film that played in Ireland last week. Read on or click the title for more.
B-D reader 'Sean of the Dead' writes in, "I just got back from seeing EDEN LAKE. I live in Dublin, Ireland so I thought I'd share a review with you on this film. Anyway here it is."
'Eden Lake is the directorial debt of horror screenwriter James Watkins who has written such films as My Little Eye, Gone and The Descent Part II.
The story is about a couple, Paige and Harry, who decide, instead of Paris, to go to a rundown quarry to spend there weekend in peace. Harry feels this may be the perfect chance to propose to Paige. There quiet time is disrupted by a group of young chavs (scumbags), who blast noisy garage music and shout insults at the couple. Harry threatens the group and they eventually go away.
The next day there car is stolen and as they chase after the scumbags to claim there car back, Harry kills their dog. This results in pure mayhem and the horror begins.
Eden Lake is the most vicious unapologetic horror film since 'The Last House On The Left'. It felt real, the performances were brilliant by most of the cast. There are some truly disturbing scenes that will stick with you right after the film is over! I am trying to review this without spoiling it. This may be just a horror film but there are people out there just like these character's. People not far from where I live and maybe not far from you either. I think this is where this film succeeds, it finds a new monster to frighten you, a monster that could be anywhere.
About half of the audience I saw this with two hours ago walked out. My friend was about to as well, I convinced him to stay. I think what bother's a lot of people is how brutal this film is.
The score was composed by David Julyan who also composed the score to The Descent. This film looks and feels like The Descent, at parts I was thinking is this the same score. Either way The music is effective and disturbing.
Overall, Eden Lake is an unorgettable horror film that is raw and unapologetic. This is intense filmmaking, and if you're bothered by seeing young scumbags become the antagonists in a horror film because you feel it's not politically correct. Well I assure you there are people out there like this. I've encountered some and you have read in newspaper articles. In other words, this is essential viewing.
I saw this film last Friday, mehhhh (at best).
Its good to see a horror movie get a cinematic release that is unashamedly voilent and not all these cutesy Hollywood (15 rated) horror cash-ins.
However, this movie is a Daily Mail wet-dream, in the sense that it promoting fear and hatred amongst the middle class "ain't today's youth uncontrolable and violent - don't leave the house".
Maybe I'm just bitter that there was no gratuitous titty shot that is the back bone our the horror industry.
If you liked Descent (and who doesnt), you might want to catch it. But its not in the same league.
I also saw this film, and thought it was very good. The sheer brutality of it is quite unsettling.
I would like to mention though that their names are Steve and Jenny, not Paige & Harry, I can't even imagine how you ended up with Paige...
Anyway if anyone is interested I have reviewed it on www.thequietus.com
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'Eden Lake is the directorial debt of horror screenwriter James Watkins who has written such films as My Little Eye, Gone and The Descent Part II.
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