Massive-screen erotic thrillers arguably peaked again within the late 80s and early 90s, each in amount and high quality, however connoisseurs of fleshy, murderous antics know that the subgenre isn’t fairly lifeless. Deep Water (2022) and Truthful Play (2023) each handle psychological thrills with a facet of saucy nibblings — and each went straight to streaming. It’s an unlucky fact given at present’s market realities and the mixture of studios hostile to danger and moviegoers who’ve grown inexplicably prudish. Anyway, it is a good distance of claiming the subgenre stays, nevertheless it’s now a small-screen affair. The most recent entry so that you can get pleasure from within the privateness of your personal house lets proper out of the gate what its intentions are because it’s referred to as, await it, Bone Lake.
Sage (Maddie Hasson) and Diego (Marco Pigossi) are a younger couple searching for a calming weekend. The massive home they lease is an extravagance, however the hope is that the time collectively will assist easy over a few of the wrinkles of their relationship. Sadly for these intentions, although, one other couple arrives having rented the identical home for a similar weekend. Cin (Andra Nechita) and Will (Alex Roe) are youthful, freer spirits, and the 4 determine that sharing the mansion gained’t be an issue. Fools. Secrets and techniques are revealed, libidos are teased and examined, and blood will likely be among the many bodily fluids spilled earlier than the weekend’s over.
Director Mercedes Bryce Morgan‘s fourth characteristic finds thrills and compelling character beats in a troubled relationship, and it’s the theme of belief that rears its head time and again. A person and a girl, who possibly don’t belief one another, a pair that possibly doesn’t belief the youthful, sexier model of themselves, viewers who in all probability don’t belief any of those horndogs. Layered all through are conversations that really feel uncommon of their honesty and existence on the display screen, however whereas they add some depth it’s the vibes and twists that take middle stage.
The again half delivers a handful of considerably surprising story turns, however don’t go in anticipating one other Barbarian from this related setup. Whereas that movie swings for the fences, Bone Lake and Joshua Friedlander‘s script hold issues much more grounded and on level for style followers. That’s not a knock, because it’s not the surprises that hold the momentum and power at a steadily rising charge. New reveals are doled out, nevertheless it’s the more and more heightened stress — from doubt, jealousy, concern — that deliver the thrills.
The script is sensible sufficient, however Bone Lake rides or dies on its 4 lead performances. Nichita and Roe have arguably the simpler roles because the sexually open, game-playing youthful couple, however they do the work to not solely create plausible characters, but additionally ones whose sleazy manipulations have the sicko a part of ourselves smiling with glee. (Don’t deny it.) Pigossi’s character is a little more stereotypical because the fabled cuck being challenged in surprising methods, however he’s stable. It’s finally Hasson, although, who instructions your consideration (and never simply because she could possibly be a double for Florence Pugh). Her character is multi-dimensional in ways in which feminine style leads hardly ever get to be, and Hasson walks a superbly effective line as a girl who’s extra actual than good. Do you root for her or towards her? It’s an enchanting inside debate that the movie and Hasson create for viewers on high of the continued narrative.
It’s price declaring that, whereas the “erotic thriller” label applies right here, that is removed from the likes of what we acquired within the subgenre’s heyday. Morgan and her forged tease attractive beats with out nudity to the purpose that it feels virtually conspicuous in its absence. To be clear, nudity, whether or not feminine or male, isn’t a requirement, however for a movie this open in its conversations, recommendations, and intentions, its absence is notable. Simply as notable, and maybe a bit telling, the one nudity the movie does provide comes from a lifeless girl.
Bone Lake gained’t remind of you of steamy, late-night thrillers on Skinemax, nevertheless it ought to scratch that itch for compelling thrillers aimed toward grownup audiences. Greater than that, it’s a enjoyable one at occasions that manages a level of jeopardy whereas nonetheless touchdown a satisfying conclusion that properly retains no less than one doubt hanging free within the air.
