Released in 2008, the same year as “The Strangers,” “Eden Lake” is a fast-paced high-tension thriller that will keep you hooked with its gripping story and performances.
Filmmaker James Watkins (in his directorial debut) weaves a terrifying story that works because it could happen to anyone. Watkins would go on to do “The Woman in Black” which is a very good horror film in and of itself.
Jenny Greengrass (Kelly Reilly) and Steve Taylor (Michael Fassbender) are headed on a romantic camping excursion in the beautiful wilderness of Eden Lake. Steve plans to propose to Jenny on the trip. The serenity is cut short by a gang of teenagers, whose rowdy behavior and a chance confrontation quickly escalates to life and death survival for Jenny and Steve.
Real Terror
James Watkins sets the stage for plausible horror. Anyone who has camped will relate to the vulnerability of being inside a tent. And the creep factor of venturing into the dark woods to go to the bathroom. Toss in a group of belligerent teens and there it is. Scenes are shot on a mix of steady and handheld cameras. The latter of which is employed to perfection at making the viewer feel as though they are in the woods of Eden Lake, and that Steve and Jenny are being watched at all times.
Kelly Reilly and Michael Fassbender are excellent as Jenny and Steve. The relationship seems organic, and the situation is something anyone could end up in. Nearby strangers are disrupting your peace. You politely ask them to turn their radio down, not expecting what could happen next.
Jack O’Connell does a great job as Brett, the sadistic leader of the gang. His anger isn’t so outlandish as to be unbelievable. We get bits of a backstory that make his actions expected. O’Connell is the perfect embodiment of a brutal youth that will doubtless grow up to be a monster. The other boys in the pack look the part of lackies. Finn Atkins lends support as Paige, the gang’s lone female member.
What would you do?
As the events of “Eden Lake” unfold, you’ll find yourself pondering the question, what would I do? Steve isn’t an armed commando or skilled MMA fighter. He’s a regular guy on a camping trip with his girlfriend. When the gang begins to taunt him, there aren’t a lot of options. They’re assholes armed with knives and accompanied by a rottweiler, but still just kids.
As the tension escalated, I found myself yelling at the screen and specific character choices more than any other film in recent memory. The characters Jenny and Steve both act in traditional horror movie character fashion. At times you’ll be so perplexed by their thinking and actions you’ll root for the gang.
“Eden Lake” is fast and fun. Its not traditional horror but works nonetheless. A perfect one time watch.
