Eden Lake

It's been a long time since I've seen this film, during the time when I still didn't bother to rate and review every Horror film I watch. Lately I've been re-watching some of those I liked especially, but as for Eden Like - I'll pass. Not because it isn't good, but because nobody in their right mind would define it as "fun to watch", that much I do remember.

However, what I remember most vividly is my utter sense of frustration, disgust and despair with humanity. Throughout the film I've kept feeling the urge to be there, so I could knock some hard painful sense into those no good hoodlums, and their sad excuse for parents! Very much like this decade's streak of "torture porn", Eden Lake plays on these emotions in the audience. Pity for the victim, rage against the assailants, and despair/helplessness.

Acting and cinematography are good enough, nothing special worth mentioning as far as I can remember (bear in mind it's been a while), but the story and some of the scenes are what sticks with you afterwords. Personally, I can't call the sensations I get out of watching these kinds of films "fun", but they are definitely, in a way, rewarding. Eden Lake isn't easy to watch, and seeing as how this is obviously its goal - it's a success. My relatively low rate is only on account of my personal experience with it.

This movie is a great representation of English teens that you might encounter almost anywhere around the country. This is a disturbingly true and accurate movie with logical events.

This is how you do a "murderous rednecks" horror movie. Uncompromising, no comedy, no screeching girls. Not filled with radioactive, deformed, chainsaw-wielding cannibals that can hardly speak, but with people who at first might seem like your average grumpy neighbours. Unlike the formulaic trite that Hollywood pumps out, this is a horror movie that stays true to the meaning of horror instead of being a.litany of clichés. That of course also means that it's cruel (not cruel like "torture porn", but cruel like reality can sometimes be) and you shouldn't watch it if you have a weak stomach or an important appointment the next day. And whatever you do, don't show this movie to kids, the movie deserves its 18+ rating.

P. S.: I know Hollywood won't take note. Formulaic trite just sells too well.

Trust me, I live here. This movie is the complete opposite of the likes of Love Actually, Four Weddings etc., and it is far more representative of the reality here. It's not a perfect film, and it's a grim, difficult watch, but it's extremely well and convincingly acted, and it had me on the edge of my seat. Worth watching, and to those in other parts of the world who might think it's all Royal weddings and tourist attractions here, this might open your eyes to how it really is.

Disturbing and savage film. Not an easy viewing experience. The ending is frustrating and infuriating.