STORYLINE :A couple’s romantic vacation at a secluded lakeside estate is upended when they are forced to share the mansion with a mysterious and attractive couple. In this darkly hilarious and seductive horror story, a dream getaway spirals into a nightmarish maze of sex, lies, and manipulation, bringing terrifying secrets to light and triggering a bloody battle for survival. (IMDb)

   What does the zombie film 28 Days later (2003) have in common with Blake Lively’s shark attack film The Shallows (2016) and the home invasion film The Strangers (2008)?   They are all horror films about survival.  In this proud tradition of survival horror films comes Bone Lake.

   Bone Lake fits the traditional horror films mold, something creepy happens, there is a set up, a bump or two along the road, and a horrifying climax.  Isn’t that one of the definitions of a genre flick? To fit a mold.  

    If you are a fan of unique moments, of the slasher kind, in horror films the opening of Bone Lake will stand out.  It won’t rank up there for me,  when put in company moments from films such as City of the Living Dead (1980) or Phenomena (1985).  However it is one of the best in recent memory.

    After those opening two/three minutes there is still about an hour and a half of movie to fill.  The film was filled with more filler then plot, leading up to the climax of the film.  Even then Bone Lake seemed to miss the mark.

   Air b n’ b is a concept still making its way in horror.  Barbarian (2022) seemed to mark the beginning of that trend and Bone Lake continues it.  Barbarian was a more serious film, while Bone Lake knew their concept, and didn’t try to be anything more then they were: a cheesy B rated horror film.  I am sure, at some point, there will be film that will do for air b n’ b’s what Psycho (1960) did for motels. 

   Bone Lake opened well then fell short the rest of the way.

    Until next time I will see you at the movies!