The Lighthouse

Starring: Robert Pattinson, Willem Dafoe, Valeriia Karamna, Logan Hawkes
Directed by: Robert Eggers
Rating: R
Genre: Drama, Horror
2019

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: Two lighthouse keepers (Robert Pattinson, Willem Dafoe) struggle with isolation as they watch a lighthouse in the 1890s.

Review:

Tim: Robert Eggers' feature directorial debut, The Witch was well-received. I found that film to be flawed, but it had some terrific moments. His sophomore film, The Lighthouse builds on the promise from his first movie and comes together in a nightmarish psychological thriller that leaves you thinking about it far after the credits roll. We've been so fortunate in recent years to get so many truly great horror movies and you can absolutely add this one to the list. This is a fantastic film and of my favorite movies of 2019.

There's so many things I love about this film. The decision to film it in black and white was brilliant. It feels right for a film set in New England in the 1890s, and it gives everything a sinister bleakness to it. The cinematography was absolutely stunning. I couldn't take my eyes off the landscape shots, but especially the haunting looks of the film's two leads. Eggers creates a movie that feels like you're watching a nightmare. I absolutely loved the look and feel of this film. The sound was terrific as well- it was discordant and disturbing and it all combines together for a movie that you don't want to look away from. Eggers' technical execution on this film was fantastic. The movie received 1 Academy Award nomination (which is a crime, it deserved far more), for Best Cinematography. This is an expertly crafted film.

I can't say enough about Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe. Pattinson still gets far too much blame for his vampire days. Since the end of Twilight, he's made numerous excellent choices in roles. He's showed his range is incredible and (much to my surprise), I consider him a great actor. This might be the best I've ever seen him. His performance here felt raw, at times unhinged, and so powerful. His appearance was shocking- the mustache, the gaunt look in his face, his eyes- I had a hard time recognizing him. As much as I love Pattinson here, you can give the same level of accolades to Dafoe. Dafoe has always been such an underrated actor- he's truly excellent in nearly everything he does. I couldn't believe how incredible he was here. He was menacing, unhinged, and yet pitiful at times. There were times where I could barely understand his words, yet his face delivered all the meaning necessary. The scene with his rant is one of the standouts- he just doesn't blink. Dafoe and Pattinson worked so well together. I love Eggers for casting these two unlikely actors and giving them plenty of room to deliver remarkable performances. I think both should have been nominated for Oscars.

The film does a terrific job of putting these characters in this isolated location. It truly feels like the entire world ends right off shore- that this little island and the lighthouse encompass everything. The isolation is palpable. On top of that, the movie feels very claustrophobic in multiple scenes. It's two men stuck together in close quarters- it nearly crushes you with it's intensity. I can't think of many films that manage to convey such a strong sense of both isolation and claustrophobic. It gives the movie a truly unique feel.

I love the ambiguity in this movie. I won't pretend I fully understand it. It so often blends the line between reality and fantasy. Are we watching actual events? A nightmare? Someone's madness? The movie is comfortable not giving us answers. It gives the film this great sense of mystery. It causes you to lean in, to stay engaged in the movie.

The Lighthouse is a great movie, one of the most compelling psychological horror movies in recent years. Eggers has become a director you absolutely need to keep your eye on. After this incredible film, I can't wait to see what he does next.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- 8


If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: The Witch, High Life