The Terror Comeback: “The Lodge” (2019)

In this column, Zofia Wijaszka reviews forgotten, underrated, and “always worth talking” horror films that deserve a new audience’s attention and post-watch conversation. The Terror Comeback’s goal is to celebrate the horror genre, both genre in the cinema and on television.

The Lodge Review: One of Riley Keough’s Most Haunting Performances

When I first started writing about cinema and television, I also became interested in documentaries, particularly those about true crime. The presence of cults, in particular, fascinated and terrified me because it seemed impossible to me that one person could brainwash not one, but an entire group. Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala’s 2018 NEON film, The Lodge, addresses this issue as well as the consequences of being in a cult and its impact on mental health. As Riley Keough astonishes and shocks in the lead role, The Lodge remains one of the most unforgettable horrors of the 2010s.

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The Lodge isn’t only a great winter/Holiday film, but one that provokes a reflection. It follows a blended family traveling to a remote winter cabin for the holidays. As Richard (Richard Armitage) attempts to acclimate his two unruly kids, Aidan (Jaeden Martell) and Mia (Lia McHugh) to his new partner, Grace (Riley Keough), he’s soon called into work and must leave. Thus, Grace, who was raised in her father’s extremist cult, must take on a more maternal role, especially as a massive blizzard forces her and the children to be trapped inside the cabin. To make matters worse, Grace notices that her medications have gone missing, things have been moved, and that there have been other strange and unexplained events, also noticed by Aidan and Mia. As things escalate, Grace’s dark past comes knocking at the door. 

Franz and Fiala’s psychological horror is ideal for a cold winter evening. The Lodge is also a prime example of a successful slow burn. The directors and writers (Sergio Casci, Franz, and Fiala) make us question everything and keep us on the edge of our seats as we try to figure out what’s going on: is what’s occurring really paranormal? Is this a vicious prank? Maybe Grace is slowly losing her mind as she is isolated and snowed in. Whatever questions you may have, nothing can prepare you for a shocking and twisted finale that brings everything together in a tragic conclusion.

Riley Keough is an outstanding actor, there is no doubt about that. She recently shone in Hulu’s Under the Bridge as the resourceful and passionate Rebecca Godfrey. In The Lodge, her Grace is not only terrifying but also unforgettable. Keough gives a chilling performance as someone who has been brainwashed for most of her life and is now witnessing the consequences. Martell and McHugh, too, play well-crafted characters, emphasizing the significance of a moment such as the addition of a new family member, especially if that person is one of the parents’ most recent partners. Last but not least, The Lodge depicts a scenario in which one’s malicious actions, no matter how seemingly innocent, can diametrically affect another person and change their life.

As the creators serve us this multifarious, daunting psychological horror, we are left with more to ponder than when we started the film. In addition to the excellent writing and acting, the direction pays close attention to capturing the sense of isolation and succeeds admirably. In each scene, it appears that Grace’s options are narrowing, and she must quickly take more dramatic steps to ensure the safety of herself and the children. Thanks to the careful direction, we can not only see but feel what Grace is feeling.

The Lodge is one of those films that you think about from time to time; I certainly do. With Keough playing one of the most harrowing roles, the film serves as a chilling cautionary tale with eye-catching cinematography and strong writing. With the holidays swiftly approaching, it will also make an excellent position for a holiday horror-themed movie night. You cannot miss out on that.

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Grade: A

The Lodge is now streaming on Hulu and is available for rent on other streaming platforms.