Eden Lake

[_____V_____]

I noticed that there is no separate thread for this flick, and after recently watching it and being suitably impressed, I would like to hear from all those who have seen it already, and from those who plan to.

Like I said in the Last Seen Movie thread, "brutal, hard-hitting, and unflinching". After a long time (read as, after Wolf Creek), I was so much impressed by an independent movie. Empathic and sympathetic characters, horrific and revolting atmosphere which made for some rivetting viewing, and a premise dipped in grounded reality. It not only leaves many questions unanswered when the end credits roll, but provides a glaring picture of societal degradation as we see it today.

But not spoiling it for those who havent seen it...to those who already have, what are your thoughts? Especially about the ending?

I ask that because I have read two distinct lines of thinking about the climax. One side say it was disappointing, given the buildup of the entire flick. The others say it was perfect, and provided to be the most ample and suitable ending, given the premise and the atmosphere. I am of the latter, and I think the ending fitted the atmosphere of the flick quite perfectly. If it was done in any way otherwise, the flick would have been reduced to yet another run-of-the-mill come-and-go flicks of years gone by. And, lets face it, this ending made it all the more human, and chillingly so.

[Staal]

I could think of no better way to end this flick. I really enjoyed this one.

Left me without that usual "why the hell did that happen?" feeling at the ending.

[roshiq]

But not spoiling it for those who havent seen it...to those who already have, what are your thoughts? Especially about the ending?

I ask that because I have read two distinct lines of thinking about the climax. One side say it was disappointing, given the buildup of the entire flick. The others say it was perfect, and provided to be the most ample and suitable ending, given the premise and the atmosphere. I am of the latter, and I think the ending fitted the atmosphere of the flick quite perfectly. If it was done in any way otherwise, the flick would have been reduced to yet another run-of-the-mill come-and-go flicks of years gone by. And, lets face it, this ending made it all the more human, and chillingly so.

Like I said before (it's the 3rd or 4th time:D ) it was far better than other recent survival horror flicks like Wolf Creek, Funny Games or The Strangers with a more harsh & shocking ending which might successfully manage to make some viewers upset in a more disturbing way. The young actor who played the ring leader of the repulsive group of loathsome kids was quite stand out with the role. Though Jenny..the female lead character also delivered a nice performance but somewhat annoyed me sometimes as her reactions or responses to the certain situations were bit questionable to me.
Overall the tension, the gore and the upsetting finale made it quite distinctive in its particular sub-genre of horror. And I'm fully agree with you regarding the climax as the motion of the story and situations were quite supportive for that actually. Though some viewers liked to be expect something positive but sometimes or very often reality tastes bitter than the fictions and people like to 'solve or confront' many situations & problems in their own way to "save" their love ones.

[fortunato]

Well, my friend. I must admit this is one I probably would have passed on were it not for your rec.

I'll get back to you when I see it! Can't wait.
And thanks for the rec. :)

[newb]

I too will be renting this one soon. I'll give feedback later.

[Ferox13]

I really liked it despite some of the stupid actions of the victims.

Chavploitation is the new Hillbilly Horror.

[valenS]

I really liked it. This movie stays with you and it has something to say. Is the ending that forces you to think about the film, a true horror film.

[Shady]

I'm visiting a friend out of state who isn't into older movies. Were looking for a newer release along the guidelines of Eden Lake. A more realistic type movie if you will. It doesn't have to be a similiar plot to Eden Lake, just something with a realistic vibe. We just finished watching Eden Lake and can't seem to find anything else that looks good.

[Elvis_Christ]

Check out the Belguim film The Ordeal and don't believe anyone when they tell you Wolf Creek is good.

[ChronoGrl]

Ils (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0465203/)... I preferred it over Eden Lake. One of my favorite films of last year. And if you're looking for a really fucked-up intense slasher movie, I highly recommend Inside (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0856288/).

There's also Timber Falls (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0857295/). I wasn't a huge fan, but it's similar to Eden Lake, which I wasn't much a fan of either... So if you like one, you might like the other...

Same goes for Frontière(s) (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0814685/).

Actually, come to think of it, the plot does get a little ridiculous with the last two, but people seem to really like Frontière(s) around here.

[Staal]

I'm with ChronoGrl on this one.

Me & my girl loved Eden Lake. It was a nice break from all the "ghost stories and zombie killers". Ils and Inside are both great french horror movies, with that realistic vibe which you request.

Timber Falls however was a mixed bag for me. A bit out there, but still worth watching.

I would fit The Strangers in here as well, which is also great.

[Staal]

Just watched The Girl Next Door. Might be right up the same alley, regarding that whole realism thing.

[Ferox13]

Watching this again - still love - main characters are still dumb :-)

[scouse mac]

I liked it but the ending was unsatisfying for me as I previously said in the last seen movies thread


http://horror.com/forum/showpost.php?p=807666&postcount=28336

[Ferox13]

You definally have some point there - I liked the ending but as you said it was a bit of a stretch. There were faults in it but over I did love it - I think its one of those films that really makes you think about what you'd do that that situation..

[psycho d]

i really liked Eden Lake. i was surprised that some people really hated this flick (different thread). Yeah, there were a couple of unrealistic reactions here and there, but overall it was fine. Loved the ending.

Check out the Belguim film The Ordeal and don't believe anyone when they tell you Wolf Creek is good.

The Ordeal/Calvaire is in a whole different class. It sorta starts out slow, but the raw tension that it creates during this lag is almost a welcomed relief as you just know things are gunna get really rugged soon. Ashe.
derek