Review: ‘The Lighthouse’ Terrifying Mind Trip You’ll Either Love or Detest

You’ll either love it or hate it. In fact, after my first viewing I was still on the fence about “The Lighthouse.” This 2019 film was crafted by Robert Eggers – the same man behind “The Witch.” It’s an arthouse picture for sure. There are parts I loved, and moments I could do without. It’s beautiful and it’s weird. Proceed at your own risk.

It’s heralded as having no defining genre. It could be horror, suspense, and thriller, all in the most non-traditional senses of the words. It’s based on an unfinished short by Edgar Allen Poe so, for the sake of the review, we’ll stick with horror.

A period piece

Set in the 1890’s, the plot revolves around two men stationed at a remote lighthouse somewhere off the coast of New England. They struggle to get along in the claustrophobic quarters. The blistering waters that surround them render them completely isolated.

Their vastly different personalities clash. Ephraim (Robert Pattinson) is a young man new to this line work. Thomas (Willem Dafoe) is a salty seafaring veteran. A cantankerous fellow with strange superstitions whose previous partner died a mysterious death. One of both of these men may be crazy.

As with “The Witch,” Robert Eggers delivers a chilling story devoid of cheap jump scares. You’ll get a slow burn, but one that includes gorgeous cinematography. Filmed in a noir black and white, and with a nearly square aspect ratio, the movie is stunning to behold. Even through its more bizarre moments I simply couldn’t look away from the screen.

There is no spoon feeding here. It’s a film crafted for those that like to have an experience. The terror comes in many forms. As simple hallucinations, or to complex ones that dive into the psychosis of man. And there were some parts I could have done without. This seems to be a staple of arthouse horror where the filmmaker goes a too far at times, but each viewer must judge that for themselves.

Stunning cinematography

Like the filmmaking, the acting from both Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe is otherworldly. Each man is a perfect representation of the type of folk we could expect to be performing this kind of work at this particular time in history. You’ll forget it’s a movie as they bicker about rations and maritime superstitions while bonding over bottles of scotch. Pattinson’s character is the one we follow, and his narration proves to be unreliable at best. He’s hiding something, or he’s simply regretting his decision to take this job. You’ll experience the journey along with him.

I also loved the sound. The score is sharp, and serves as a perfect balance to each and every scene. The sounds of seagulls cawing and water crashing sets us up to embody the setting. And I absolutely loved the inclusion of the Sumburgh Foghorn. This haunting wail blasts throughout. We are introduced to it as the boat Ephraim and Thomas are riding first approaches the lighthouse. It has the terror of an old church gong, and as it plays throughout the film, it’s enough to drive anyone to madness.

“The Lighthouse” isn’t for everyone. I fell into the love it camp after my second viewing. Then found myself tumbling down a black hole of analysis and theory videos. It reminded me of “Eraserhead” in that I hated it, but also couldn’t stay away. I recommend it to anyone who loves having their senses heightened. It’s like nothing you’ve ever watched before, and can be enjoyed now or during the upcoming Spooky Movie Season.

“The Lighthouse” can be rented on Amazon