This being my first real blog I was unsure what to write about, that is until I saw the British horror film, "Eden Lake"(2008). I had first heard of "Eden Lake" from a IMDB list of the most disturbing films of the decade. After viewing it, I can see why it got #1 on the list.
"Eden Lake" is not for the squeamish, but it certainly should not be missed. The violence in it is extremely bloody and brutal, but its all there to move the story along. It's not like the Saw films where the gore is the main character. This movie has real characters and the reason the film will stick with you is because writer/director James Watkins makes you care about the characters before putting them through hell.
The film begins by introducing us to Jenny, a school teacher played by Kelly Reilly (Sherlock Holmes), and her boyfriend Steve, played by Michael Fassbender (Inglorious Basterds). The school season is over and Steve has planned a romantic getaway for the two of them at Eden Lake, but things don't go as planned. The lake is about to be turned into a development site for new homes, which explains why they're the only tourists there. However, they're not alone. On their first day they encounter a group of local hoodlums who seem hellbent on giving these adults a hard time. Right away we realise the leader of the pack is Brett, played by Jack O'Connel (Skins 'UK').
Brett is like a young Charles Manson. He's the oldest and toughest of the group and uses peer pressure and bullying to get his group of "friends" into hunting down and torturing this poor couple. He ensures that all of their misdeeds are recorded on a cell phone, threatening them with blackmail, in case any of them want to run to the cops or back out. In a sense everyone is a victim in this movie.
Although this may sound like a movie you've seen before, I assure you it's not. The acting, pacing, and direction will leave you on the edge of your seat for nearly the whole film. It plays games with your mind and just when you think you can rest easy the film adds a new twist that gets you squirming again. There are a whole range of emotions you'll go through during this film. After it's over you may just need to take a shower, smoke a cigarette, call a loved one, whatever it takes to get over what you're feeling.
Although to some this may sound like a warning to stay away from this film, however I intend it as a welcome mat. "Eden Lake" is a story that's been done before, but done right, with enough twists and turns to keep it original. It's not for everyone, but if you have a strong stomach and love films that stay with you pick up a copy from Amazon, or Netflix. Heck, if you don't mind the poor quality of video you can even watch it on YouTube in 7 parts posted below.
Eden Lake 1 of 7
Eden Lake 2 of 7
Eden Lake 3 of 7
Eden Lake 4 of 7
Eden Lake 5 of 7
Eden Lake 6 of 7
Eden Lake 7 of 7
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