Bone Lake won’t give you nightmares. However, it will deliver collective comical slasher mayhem.
Bone Lake is a fun, awkward slasher that feels like a lighthearted Speak No Evil or a less paranormal Crimson Peak. Shocks are plenty, but scares are in short supply. Rather, it’s more like a test of the strength of a relationship. The logic and decisions build frustration, especially at the start. But that is part of what makes the movie so entertaining. Bone Lake won’t give you nightmares. However, it will deliver collective comical slasher mayhem.
Directed by Mercedes Bryce Morgan (Fixation, Spoonful of Sugar) and written by Joshua Friedlander (Holly Slept Over, Suicide Blonde), the story begins in a similar vein to the hit Barbarian. One couple, Sage, played by Maddie Hasson (Elevation, Malignant), and Diego, played by Marco Pigossi (High Tide, The Park Maniac), arrive at a stunning home by the water for a weekend of relaxation.
When another attractive young couple, Cin, performed by Andra Nechita (The Tape Man), and Will, played by Alex Roe (Hazard, Depravity), arrive with the same plan, they agree to share the space. The situation soon devolves into chaos as exposed lies and secrets turn into a fight for survival. But what stands out with Bone Lake, other than some shocking, gruesome deaths, is how far pretty privilege extends.
Bone Lake Shows Deadly, Extreme, Pretty Privilege
While this is far deeper than the movie itself, pretty privilege plays a significant role in how much grace an individual gets. Just look at Sydney Sweeney. It took an ad and evidence that she registered Republican before people accepted that she is not an individual they should support. But there were already signs prior. Yet, pretty privilege gave her grace. It prioritizes appearance. Oftentimes, the transgressions must be in your face to accept a reality that was always present. Bone Lake takes that and makes it bloodier, more frustrating, and hilarious.
As Sage and Diego become increasingly uncomfortable with the other couple, they remain in the home with them. The final straw comes with Will’s surprise during their shared meal. At least, it’s the final straw for the audience. Yet Diego does not make a scene. Will gives him a tearful explanation and somehow sways Diego. Not to mention how much information they, Sage and Diego, disclose to Will and Cin, even after the two demonstrate how untrustworthy they are. It’s not only pretty privilege. However, it’s definitely part of why the situation spirals.
Cast Sells the Plot
Despite frustrations with many of the choices leading up to the end, it’s believable thanks to the characters. Maddie Hanson and Marco Pigossi portray a couple brimming over with every resentment left unsaid. Meanwhile, Andra Nechita and Alex Roe make Will and Cin seem closer, but with something amiss underneath the surface. Bone Lake focuses on and delivers on being a good time.
A Surprising Slasher
Horror movies of late have leaned into the spineless protagonist/s who, at every turn, allow the threat to push further and further. It’s become a tad tiresome. Fortunately, Bone Lake might start that way, but this couple begins to finally push back. Plus, the direction from Mercedes Bryce Morgan adds to the frenzied fun. After the shocking opening, the film focuses on the uncomfortable buildup between Sage and Diego, as well as the distrust of the other couple. But when it kicks into high gear, it speeds ahead, making Bone Lake a gruesomely delightful viewing experience.
