Sling Movie Rental of the Week, May 5-May 11
As previously mentioned, I’ve been especially excited about the horror genre recently, and its evolution. Instead of jump scare tactics and supernatural forces, the deep, thought-provoking storylines make these scary movies frightening on a psychological level. These more realistic stories invite viewers to become uncommonly introspective (looking at you, Jordan Peele and Ari Aster). The Lodge is located squarely in this new ground of horror, and it’s available to rent starting today on Sling.
Typically, scary movies take a bit of time to introduce the characters and set up the plot before eventually getting down to business. But within the first ten minutes of The Lodge, terror strikes, and I was immediately drawn in. Two children, Aiden (Jaeden Matell) and Mia (Lia McHugh), are forced to spend their Christmas in the family’s winter cabin with their dad (Richard Armitrage) and his new girlfriend, Grace (Riley Keough). But, as it often goes with remote cabins in the woods, things start to take a sinister turn.
The dad must return back to town for a work obligation so the kids are left with Grace, who they haven’t taken a liking to yet, or even had a neutral feeling towards. Turns out, they did some digging beforehand and discovered her father was the head of a fundamentalist cult who lead his followers to mass suicide. Except, there was one survivor. Want to place a bet on who that was?
Things start to get spooky, and no one is exactly sure who or what’s to blame. It’s an extremely unsettling watch, as I didn’t know what direction this film was headed, at any point. Even the cast echoed that sentiment. They also emphasized the horror of The Lodge is all real, unlike any other scary movie they’ve seen before.
All of the performances are especially strong, as they aren't any supernatural creatures, jump scares, or other traditional horror tactics to rely on. Riley Keough gives one of the more frightening performances I’ve seen recently. You may recognize Jaeden Martell thanks to his role as Bill in the two installments of Stephen King’s It. There’s even a cameo from Alicia Silverstone in the most intense scene of the movie.
The Lodge is one of the better horror films I’ve seen as of late. Above all, it’s a psychological thriller and its twists and turns will keep you on the edge of your seat. So, snuggle up late at night and brace for The Lodge. It's anything but cozy.
The Lodge is now available to rent for a one-time purchase of $5.99.
Other new movies now available:
Bloodshot
Arkansas
Celeste Barber: Challenge Accepted
Cry Havoc
Four Enchanted Sisters
Greed
Intrigo: Dear Agnes
Intrigo: Samaria
Project Blue Book Exposed
Raising Buchanan
Shred America
South Mountain
The Elephant King
The House Between
The Islands
The Plagiarists
Working Man
Wretch
Exorcism at 60,000 Feet
False Witness
Human Zoo
Lancaster Skies
Ordinary Love
Screened Out
Where We Begin
