The Secret of Hidden Lake

This movie blends moderate terror with a first class mystery. Rena Sofer does a masterful job of playing the gutsy Maggie, who by turns metaphorically cavalierly prods rattlesnakes and then retreats in terror. She is an interesting and lovable character. She is not just mindless fodder for mayhem. I found myself shouting directions at the screen for her to take more caution.

The movie reminds me of Semilla's Sense Of Snow, in that you don't know whom you can trust. Every kindly action becomes suspect. The various actors manage to beautifully project simultaneous kindness and possible hidden malice.

It has a complex plot ending worthy of Ruth Rendell.

The movie is realistic. Most of Maggie's sleuthing actions lead nowhere. She has no magical powers of deduction. The villains are people you might find in the newspaper.

To me the movie appeared to be shot in BC Canada, simulating Colorado in the USA. The beautiful forests, and diffused overcast light, are an ever-present backdrop.