Netflix just quietly added one of last year’s darkest and most provocative thriller movies. It’s called “Bone Lake,” and while I suspect many subscribers will have their eyes firmly on the streaming service’s new crime thriller, “The Rip,” this overlooked flick isn’t one to skip.
However, while there is much to enjoy within the dark waters of “Bone Lake,” I should note this is definitely a movie of two halves. The first is stuffed with constantly climbing tension, and the other … well, let’s just say things go a little off the deep end after the movie’s shocking twist is revealed. But despite this unfortunate flaw, “Bone Lake” still has its merits.
If you’re a thriller movie fan, looking for a new Netflix pick to add to your next movie marathon, it might just be worthy of your watchlist. Here’s the full scoop on “Bone Lake” now it’s streaming on Netflix.
What is ‘Bone Lake’ about?
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Sage (Maddie Hasson) and Diego (Marco Pigossi) are a couple who arrive at a secluded and luxurious lakeside for a romantic weekend. It might be the relaxing weekend they need to get their fraying relationship back on track.
However, the vibes are spoiled when another couple, Will (Alex Roe) and Cin (Andra Nechita), turn up on the doorstep, claiming to have also booked the country house for the weekend. Frustrated by this apparent doublebooking, Sage and Diego have little choice but to welcome in these unwanted houseguests, and so begins a very different weekend than planned.
Initially, the duo attempts to find the silver lining in having unexpected company, but things take a dark turn when the situation devolves into a twisted series of mind games, manipulation, and, eventually, even murder.
Should you stream ‘Bone Lake’ on Netflix?
For almost an hour, “Bone Lake” is a pretty excellent dark thriller. It really plays on the inherent awkwardness of being stuck in a remote house with two strangers, and there are just enough hints of darkness to come that you know the pleasantries between the two very different couples won’t last forever. The tension slimmers nicely, and even though they seem nice, even as a viewer, it’s hard to shake the gut feeling that something is off about Will and Cin.
However, frustration sets in when the third act switches gears, moving away from the slowly ratcheting suspension for a grisly, slasher-inspired third act. From here, “Bone Lake” becomes decidedly less engaging. Furthermore, the violence dramatically increases, which is a double-edged sword. If you like your dark thrillers with plenty of fake blood, then you might find this shake-up into the realm of horror-tinged chaos quite enjoyable, but it all feels routine.
Still, it’s the first portion that left the biggest impression on me, and it builds to a twist that appears obvious in hindsight, but I’ll admit caught me by surprise. And that’s the best kind of shock revel. The clues are all there, but “Bone Lake” mixes in enough misdirection that when the pieces click together, you’re taken by surprise.
“Bone Lake” is also smartly restrained in its approach. Almost the entire movie is set within the confines of the eponymous location, and the core cast comprises just four players. There’s no fat whatsoever on these bones, which keeps the momentum up throughout. This also makes some of the hammy dialogue a little easier to skip over, as you’re not forced to dwell on it.
I should also warn prospective viewers that “Bone Lake” flirts with the ecrotic thriller subgenre, an effort that is only sporadically successful. There are moments of well-crafted sexual tension, which add to the overall stakes. However, many of “Bone Lake’s” clunky attempts at eroticism border on cringeworthy. Then again, I suppose it would be foolish to expect anything else from a flick with a title that is ultimately a cheap double entendre.
Suitably chilling (at least in its middle portion), and with a neat twist that doesn’t feel like a cheap rug pull, “Bone Lake” builds up a solid foundation, only to start to crumble as it adds more layers in its final 30 minutes. Still, a less-than-stellar finale doesn’t erase all the good work done before, and thriller genre fans likely won’t regret their time spent at “Bone Lake.”
“Bone Lake” is now streaming on Netflix, but if you’re not totally convinced this thriller is for you, check out the full January slate for more new options.
Watch “Bone Lake” on Netflix now
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