"Lovely, Dark and Deep", 2023 - Dir. by Teresa Sutherland
I had heard about this film for a while, and it appeared on many "Best of" lists, so it was finally time to give it a watch, and I'm glad I did! "Lovely, Dark and Deep" is a visually stunning and emotionally gripping film that combines psychological horror and supernatural suspense.
Directed by Teresa Sutherland in her feature length debut, the film stars Georgina Campbell ("Barbarian", "Broadchurch") in a great turn, and takes us on a haunting journey through the forest, exploring themes of grief, guilt, and the unknown.
Fun fact, the title of the film comes from the poem "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" by Robert Frost.
Directed by Teresa Sutherland in her feature length debut, the film stars Georgina Campbell ("Barbarian", "Broadchurch") in a great turn, and takes us on a haunting journey through the forest, exploring themes of grief, guilt, and the unknown.
Fun fact, the title of the film comes from the poem "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" by Robert Frost.
The film centers around Lennon (Georgina Campbell), a park ranger stationed at a remote outpost in a vast, isolated National Park. As she delves deeper into the mysterious disappearances that have plagued the area, Lennon finds herself confronting not only the dark secrets of the woods but also her own traumatic past. What is Lennon's connection to these woods and why does she venture out on days long journeys? What's up with the map on the wall of her camp? Who is the little girl she sees in her visions? I never give away plot details, so you'll just have to watch to find out!
Photo courtesy of IMDB
I must say, the cinematography is a standout feature of "Lovely, Dark and Deep." The forest setting is captured in all its menacing beauty, with every shot seemingly to enhance the film's unsettling atmosphere. The use of natural light and shadow creates a palpable sense of dread, making the forest feel like a character in its own right – one that is both enchanting and terrifying. Overall, the film is just beautifully shot. There are also some very creative, disorienting shots that help us, the audience, understand what Lennon is going through.
I personally am not a fan of camping, and this film just further enforces that. I firmly believe that the reason we invented houses and apartments and such is so that we didn't have to sleep outside in the woods, dealing with who knows what horrors are lurking out there!
Director Teresa Sutherland's direction is deft, skillfully building tension and maintaining a slow-burn pace that keeps viewers on edge. It's hard to believe that this is her first feature-length film. Although her writing for "Midnight Mass" and "The Wind" should have been a good indicator of what was to come.
The script, also written by Sutherland, weaves a complex narrative that balances moments of quiet introspection with bursts of intense horror. The sound design further amplifies the film's eerie tone, with an unsettling score that underscores the sense of unease.
I personally am not a fan of camping, and this film just further enforces that. I firmly believe that the reason we invented houses and apartments and such is so that we didn't have to sleep outside in the woods, dealing with who knows what horrors are lurking out there!
Director Teresa Sutherland's direction is deft, skillfully building tension and maintaining a slow-burn pace that keeps viewers on edge. It's hard to believe that this is her first feature-length film. Although her writing for "Midnight Mass" and "The Wind" should have been a good indicator of what was to come.
The script, also written by Sutherland, weaves a complex narrative that balances moments of quiet introspection with bursts of intense horror. The sound design further amplifies the film's eerie tone, with an unsettling score that underscores the sense of unease.
Photo courtesy of IMDB
For me, in addition to the cinematography, one of the film's biggest strengths is its exploration of psychological horror. Rather than relying solely on jump scares or gore, "Lovely, Dark and Deep" delves into the human psyche, examining how fear and trauma can distort reality. This psychological depth adds layers to the horror, making it as much about the characters' internal struggles as the external threats they face.
The downside to this is that the film's deliberate pacing might not appeal to all viewers. Some may find the slow build-up and focus on atmosphere over action to be less engaging. Those who know me know that I am a fan of this type of slow-burn, but we seem to live in a world of short attention spans, and I realize that. I just hope that people are willing to give a film like this a chance.
I don't want to give away too much, so all I will say is that the ending, which I liked, might leave something to be desired for some people. If you need everything tied up neatly, well, you might be a little disappointed and that's all I will say.
The downside to this is that the film's deliberate pacing might not appeal to all viewers. Some may find the slow build-up and focus on atmosphere over action to be less engaging. Those who know me know that I am a fan of this type of slow-burn, but we seem to live in a world of short attention spans, and I realize that. I just hope that people are willing to give a film like this a chance.
I don't want to give away too much, so all I will say is that the ending, which I liked, might leave something to be desired for some people. If you need everything tied up neatly, well, you might be a little disappointed and that's all I will say.
Photo courtesy of IMDB
Since no film is perfect, there are a few things that I didn't particularly care for, but I am happy to say that they are relatively minor.
There are some decisions made by Campbell's character that made me a little nuts, but I ended up chalking those decisions up to the effect that the vastness of the forest was having on her psyche. There is also something that happens near the end of the film that was a little too "Deus Ex Machina" for me, or at the very least, a little too "plot convenient." Again, these are some minor issues in an otherwise excellent film.
Overall, "Lovely, Dark and Deep" is a hauntingly beautiful film that offers a fresh take on the horror genre. Its rich visuals, strong performances, and psychological depth make it a memorable experience for those who appreciate atmospheric and thought-provoking cinema. Teresa Sutherland has crafted a film that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll, proving that sometimes, the most terrifying monsters are the ones we carry within our own minds.
There are some decisions made by Campbell's character that made me a little nuts, but I ended up chalking those decisions up to the effect that the vastness of the forest was having on her psyche. There is also something that happens near the end of the film that was a little too "Deus Ex Machina" for me, or at the very least, a little too "plot convenient." Again, these are some minor issues in an otherwise excellent film.
Overall, "Lovely, Dark and Deep" is a hauntingly beautiful film that offers a fresh take on the horror genre. Its rich visuals, strong performances, and psychological depth make it a memorable experience for those who appreciate atmospheric and thought-provoking cinema. Teresa Sutherland has crafted a film that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll, proving that sometimes, the most terrifying monsters are the ones we carry within our own minds.