Bone Lake Review: Mercedes Bryce Morgan Delivers a Twisted Fun of a Genre-Hybrid Thriller
It’s a mix-and-match genre hybrid in Mercedes Bryce Morgan’s Bone Lake, combining erotic thriller with psychological horror, dark comedy and slasher trope, all wrapped up in the confines of a chamber piece. It sure sounds like a whole lot of wicked fun, jumping straight for the jugular with a daring, yet darkly humorous and violent opening scene of a couple running in the woods chased by an unseen figure arming a crossbow.
The movie then cuts to the introduction of Diego (Marco Pigossi) and Sage (Maddie Hasson), a thirtysomething couple heading for a weekend retreat at a remote lakeside mansion at the titular location. We learn that Diego has been working on a novel after giving up his teaching job, while Sage turns out to be the one who compromises her own journalism career in favour of supporting him morally and even financially. They seem to love each other, even though their relationship is far from perfect, especially with their lacklustre sex life.
Meanwhile, Diego has been planning to use this weekend retreat as an opportunity to propose to her, only to be gradually interrupted by the arrival of a young couple, Cin (Andra Nechita) and Will (Alex Roe). Apparently, the pair finds themselves in an accidental double-booked Airbnb situation. Instead of them giving up and seeking other accommodation, they finally reached an agreement to share the lakeside mansion since the place is big enough for everyone.
Soon, it’s all fun and games for them as they get along well, even going as far as breaking into some of the locked rooms to find out what’s inside. The movie presents two sides of these couples: Diego and Sage are a rather sexually awkward couple, particularly the former, being a reserved and introverted type. Cin and Will are more spontaneous and carefree when it comes to having the time of their lives, and engage in sexual activities. The contrasting personalities between these couples allow Morgan and screenwriter Joshua Friedlander to explore the relationship angle of trust issues, sex, gaslighting and gender dynamics.
As Bone Lake progresses, it gets interesting during the turning point of the story, with secrets and lies subsequently exposed. The movie is marketed as an erotic horror-thriller, but the erotic part somehow doesn’t live up to its promise for a story revolving around lust and temptation. Sure, there are plenty of sexual teasing and sex scenes, and yet, the result is surprisingly tame as Morgan chooses to hold back rather than embracing the genre.
But that doesn’t mean Bone Lake completely misses the mark, as it remains intriguing to watch the two couples. It’s hard not to get invested in them with the way the story delves into how truthful a relationship is upon putting it through the wringer. Not to mention the unexpected twists and turns keep the movie going, before culminating in a mean-spirited third act where Morgan doesn’t shy away from extreme gore and graphic violence. The Spoonful of Sugar director also deserves praise for making good use of the single-location setting as a visual and narrative playground, coupled with some ingenious camerawork and lurid visual palette, while balancing the macabre with a few spot-on, pitch-black comedy elements.
The four-person cast helps elevate the movie with their game performances. I can’t help but notice Maddie Hasson could easily pass as Florence Pugh’s long-lost twin sister because she sure looks like a dead ringer for the latter, complete with the familiar platinum blonde pixie-cut hairstyle. Hasson is no doubt the MVP here, even though the rest of the actors are just as commendable in their respective roles.
