The Horror Show
Neverlake
by Riccardo Paoletti
Lore and fables are often a staple of the horror genre. In a way, the concept of curses, spirits, and the mysterious were the first horror stories. A lot of movies have dealt with such things in some capacity, and these elements span many different genres, as well as subgenres, within the horror world. More times than not, such films leave me a bit cold, as they tend to get so caught up in the intricacies of myths that they lose steam when it comes to the actual story. Neverlake was the latest film I've seen dealing with such things and I found myself pleasantly surprised.
Neverlake follows Jenny (Daisy Keeping), a young college student who is visiting Italy, where her father (David Brandon) lives. She is excited to see him, but finds an odd mood in the air. She is greeted by Olga (Joy Tanner) a woman who lives with her father and who quickly begins to act strangely concerned about her, to the point where she is domineering. Jenny's father, through periods of pleasant normalcy, leaves her alone more times than not and ends outings between the two of them suddenly and without explanation beyond him “having to tend to work.”
Jenny becomes interested in the legendary “Lake of Idols” nearby her father's residence and ventures out to do some exploring. There, she meets a young blind girl who introduces her to a group of other children who are all sick in some way. They all have a fear of adults, but welcome her as a friend. Jenny develops a fondness for the ailed youths and begins reading to them. When telling her father of her new pals, he is clearly a bit taken aback by the new development. He doesn't forbid her from seeing them, however, and doesn't seem to want to mention them at all.
Jenny grows more and more concerned with her father's affairs. He works a lot with the door locked and refuses to talk about certain aspects of his work. She begins to have nightmares revolving around the lake and several statues or “idols” that are known to be thrown into the water from time to time as part of local legend and tradition. From there, things kick-start and move into sinister territory as Jenny tries to find connections and answers in her strange situation.
Neverlake is a competent and well-made film. The acting is all worthy of note, especially from Daisy Keeping as the main character of Jenny. It is her duty to carry the film, and she does so very skillfully. Her reactions are never over or underdone and she comes across very likable and authentic. Besides her, there isn't a weak link in the bunch acting-wise, and the complexities of the various characters are complimented by the actors playing them.
The film is well shot and the overall tone and use of music work together effectively. Once the story is established, it stays interesting and doesn't rest on one or two entertaining elements. Unlike a lot of movies dealing with lore, Neverlake avoids throwing us a bunch of random symbols and images only to never explain what they have to do with anything. The happenings are quite easy to follow and nothing ever becomes muddled.
Unlike most films dealing with myth, Neverlake doesn't focus on the supernatural elements as primarily horror fodder. The real evil in the film is designated to flesh and blood human beings and this makes things more emotionally satisfying. There are a number of twists and turns along the way and none of them seem unnecessary. It is a minimalistic movie, but allows itself to explore gruesome concepts none the less.
The effects, a number of which are clearly digital creations, are used sparingly and this is a smart move. The few that are used, however, are done adequately. They never look ridiculous or hokey, which is a good thing, as Neverlake is a serious film that strays far from any campy qualities.
All in all, I was impressed with this movie. I tend to take these types of films with a grain of salt, but with this one, doing so isn't necessary. All the marks were hit correctly, and I consider the project an overall success. Rather than rest on concept and skim on the story, Neverlake tells a quality tale and left me with the very feeling that I believe the filmmakers intended.
If you are looking for a solid film with a few supernatural touches that will keep you engaged, I definitely recommend Neverlake. I'm happy I decided to give it a chance.
P.J. Griffin, HMS
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