‘Bone Lake’ is a 2024 American independent horror thriller film directed by Mercedes Bryce Morgan and written by Joshua Friedlander. It stars Maddie Hasson, Alex Roe, Andra Nechita, and Marco Pigossi.
Sage and Will plan a romantic getaway where Will intends to propose to Sage. Unbeknownst to them, the mansion they booked through an Airbnb is next to a lake and has an unexpected double booking. The lake house has a terrifying history that the guest couples are unaware of. Their time at the lake house takes an unexpected turn, leading to surprises with the other couple. As tensions escalate, relationships devolve into a web of deception, desire, and manipulation, gradually revealing dark secrets. The situation worsens, and terror ensues during their sexually charged and horrific weekend.
Director Mercedes Bryce Morgan does an excellent job of keeping the viewer on the edge of their seat, wondering what will happen next. The performances by Maddie Hasson, Alex Roe, Andra Nechita, and Marco Pigossi are both respectful and entertaining, bringing their characters to life.
Originally designed as a 2024 film for the festival circuit, ‘Bone Lake’ deserves a theatrical release. The direction is thrilling, and the editing surpasses that of many films shown at festivals, even outperforming some major studio efforts.
Throughout the film, there are unexpected twists and turns, and it also presents valuable lessons. Sometimes, compromising on decisions isn’t advisable; one should prioritize their gut feelings. For Christians, this can be seen as listening to and trusting the Holy Spirit. Additionally, it’s crucial to be cautious about trusting people at face value. Can relationships with loved ones and family withstand criticisms and attempts at manipulation from others? It’s important to recognize that evil sometimes exists without reason, and if you notice continuous lies aimed at ruining relationships, it might be wise to distance yourself from that person sooner rather than later. If you’re unwilling to do so, you can expect to confront horror and face that horror head-on.
I actually enjoyed this movie. It features adult themes and bloody gore that justify its ‘R’ rating, yet these elements enhance the story and add depth to the characters and their experiences on screen. I must admit, this type of horror may not resonate with everyone. While I appreciated the film, my wife did not, so consider this a word of caution. I liked the buildup to the gruesome ending, and the film, presented as a dark comedy, contained moments of humor and laughter that exceeded my expectations.
On a scale of 1-10, while it’s not a perfect film, it certainly holds its own against major studio efforts as an independent project. For that reason, I’m assigning it a score of 6.5. If you enjoy unique types of horror, this movie might be for you. It serves as a reminder that sometimes the real monsters are disguised as people.
