Lake Bodom

It can be a tricky thing to make a film around actual real-life killings. Daniel Farrands has found that out the hard way. While the film is really its own story entirely, the fact that is refers to the real-life killings at all has probably garnered it some unfair/fair (depending on your point of view) hatred. If you look at it just as a film purely made for entertainment purposes however, it isn't half bad.

I love me some European horror. They aren't afraid to go to the places that the American filmmakers are. This is a film that gets darker and darker as it goes along. It keeps one-upping itself.

There are some jump scares in this movie that have the most ridiculously loud noise accompanying them in relation to the sound mix. It's almost impossible to not get a fright, not so much because the scare is well crafted (it usually isn't) but just because the noise is so unexpectedly loud.

I didn't mind this film. If you go in just looking to be entertained then you'll likely have some fun with it. I can see it being considered insensitive too though and wouldn't argue with anyone trying to make that point. 7/10.

5,1 out of 10 is a disgrace to this film. Well-paced, well-acted, suspenseful and a somewhat original plot (see for yourself) with a few good twists and turns. The very most parts of the film take place in the woods, and the solid nature definitely builds up a true horror atmosphere to the film.

"Lake Bodom" also has this great unsettling "nerve" to it, which reminds me of some of the best classic 80s horror flicks like "Just Before Dawn" and "The Burning".

In my opinion "Lake Bodom" is the best Finnish horror flick out there. Well worth a watch for horror hounds and/or people who appreciate an entertaining, thrilling 85 minute ride!

Lake Bodom, a serene and picturesque location in Finland, holds a dark and chilling history, providing the perfect setting for a slasher film that blends brutal violence with a dose of dark humor. 'Bodom' takes inspiration from the infamous unsolved murders that occurred at the lake in 1960, crafting a twisted tale that will satisfy horror enthusiasts seeking a gruesome yet entertaining ride.

Director Taneli Mustonen plunges us into the lives of four teenage friends, who, in a daring act of rebellion, decide to camp out at Lake Bodom, a place shrouded in urban legends. This reckless decision sets the stage for a night of terror as the group becomes entangled in a deadly game of cat and mouse with a deranged killer.

The film's opening act is a slow burn, taking its time to introduce the characters and establish their dynamics. We witness the typical teenage angst and romantic tensions, which, while not groundbreaking, serve to build a sense of familiarity before the chaos ensues. The performances are solid, particularly the portrayal of the unhinged and unpredictable killer, who becomes the driving force of the film's latter half.

As the sun sets, the movie shifts gears, transforming into a relentless and visceral slasher experience. The cinematography excels in these moments, capturing the eerie beauty of the forest and the stark brutality of the murders. The gore is abundant and creatively executed, ensuring that even the most desensitized horror fans will squirm in their seats.

'Bodom' also incorporates a healthy dose of dark comedy, providing some much-needed levity amidst the carnage. The humor, while not always hitting the mark, adds a layer of unpredictability, making the film a wild and twisted journey. The script, however, falters in its attempt to weave in a deeper psychological narrative, often feeling like a distraction from the more effective slasher elements.

One of the film's strengths lies in its practical effects, which are impressively realistic, adding to the overall intensity. The killer's weapon of choice, a hammer, becomes a symbol of sheer brutality, and the sound design ensures every blow resonates with the audience.

Despite its strengths, 'Bodom' struggles to find a consistent tone, oscillating between horror and comedy, often within the same scene. This unevenness may leave some viewers feeling detached from the story, especially during the more emotionally charged moments. The film's pacing also falters towards the end, with the climax feeling rushed and leaving some plot threads unresolved.

In conclusion, 'Bodom' is a flawed yet entertaining slasher flick that embraces its bloody roots. While it may not offer groundbreaking storytelling, it delivers on the promise of a gruesome and twisted adventure. With a unique setting and a willingness to push boundaries, the film will undoubtedly find its audience among those who appreciate a good old-fashioned bloodbath.

It pulled reference from our current digital world to freshen the plot line. The cinematography was moody and atmospheric. I found this effective thriller fare.

I don't know what to say about this one. It's an original approach which is great, but I felt that the execution didn't really work that well. I think the first plot twist should have been the only one and should have happened much later, like...in the last scene.

Even if the production values and the acting are positive things to mention, I don't think the film did something particularly well (except the existence of the first plot twist). The first act was a bit lame and not that exciting (ok, the build-up on these films is always very similar but this wasn't one of the most exciting), then the suspense and slasher elements of the 2nd act run for no more than 10/15 minutes (the best part of the film) and after that we have the 2nd plot twist that doesn't need to exist and it's not that interesting ending on a low note.