The Lodgers review: The lives of a brother and sister trapped by a curse unravel after the arrival of a charismatic stranger.
The Lodgers review by Kat Hughes.
The Lodgers Review
Horror is a genre that, much like fashion, seems to be perpetually moving around in cycles. Sub-genres that are cool go out of style, only to be replaced by one from a bygone era. We’ve seen it in recent years with slashers like Scream replaced with the gore of Saw, which in turn has been replaced by the jump-scare story, a la Insidious. Way before all of those though was the Gothic horror sub-genre which ranged from the camp Hammer movies to the likes of Frankenstein. Now director Brian O’Malley (Let Us Prey) seems to be kick-starting the latest horror resurgence with his latest movie The Lodgers.
The name might not strike horror into your heart (unless you find yourself the unwilling host of the in-laws of course), but this is a rather effective tale of abandonment, seclusion and taboo relationships. Rachel (Charlotte Vega) and Edward (Bill Milner) are twins who live alone at the end of town in 1920’s rural Ireland. The pair have been orphaned and live in an enforced isolation, beholden to the rules of their manor; firstly, they have to be in bed by midnight, secondly they aren’t to let anyone else in the house, and finally, they must never leave each other all alone. Failure to comply with any of these rules risks the wrath of the manor’s past generations who haunt the building after dark. The twins bond and adherence to the rules is tested when former soldier Sean (Eugene Simon) arrives back in town and embarks on a relationship with Rachel.
The Lodgers Review
The Lodgers is a very well executed production. Director Brian O’Malley (potentially one of the most Irish names we’ve ever heard) has crafted a beautiful and haunting film, the visuals really capture the suffocating isolation experienced by the twins. There’s a nice juxtaposition between the oppressing darkness of the house and the brightness of outdoors. The most startling visual moments, however, come from the midnight visitors. There’s a lot of water effects utilised (past generations have succumbed to death by drowning) to add unnerving dimension to the apparitions. Malley will make you believe that water can flow upwards, it’s a simple trick but one that proves to be very effective.
Related: Insidious: The Last Key review
Backing up strong visuals are some very solid performances. There a lot of tough topics explored within the film. The film features PTSD, bereavement, the after-effects of amputation, and the more taboo matter of incest; the cast attacks them all with gusto. Bill Milner plays a powerful blend of meek and unhinged and is pretty creepy. Charlotte Vega makes an excellent Gothic heroine, headstrong and willful, and Eugene Simon gets a chance to show people his softer side (he previously played High Sparrow disciple Lancel in Game of Thrones). With the brilliant David Bradley in a supporting role, the cast of The Lodgers really showcases some exceptional work.
An atmospheric and haunting period ghost story with a fresh and taboo twist, The Lodgers will captivate and excite horror fans everywhere.
The Lodgers review by Kat Hughes, March 2018.
The Lodgers was reviewed at the 2018 Horror Channel Frightfest event which formed part of the 2018 Glasgow Film Festival.
