The Lodge

Writing Quality: Original and twisty and shocking. Similar to Henry James's novel The Turn of The Screw, you aren't quite sure who to trust once the story shifts gears in the second act. Fortunately, the writers don't leave that uncertainty ambiguously. But do expect to be startled and surprised and pondering the final act for a good while.

Scare Factor: There are a few sudden jump scare moments, one at the beginning, so be prepared. What is scary is the sense of confinement between two siblings who just lost their mom to suicide and their stay at their father's vacation home with Grace, his fiancée, while he leaves to work for the week. The growing snowstorm and the impossibility of leaving the house in the middle of nowhere only heightens the fear. Grace's flashbacks are creepy as we learn she was a victim of a religious cult leader's demented ideas of pleasing God (it's to commit suicide).

Content (sex, language, & violence): No sex, a scene where Grace comes out of the shower nude; we see her breasts for several seconds in the mirror in a non-sexual way, some language, violence with the theme of suicide.

Values: Losing parents and missing a mother, strong bond between siblings,

Acting: Nothing outstanding, but watchable.

Bonus: Alicia Silverstone. Riley Keough (Grace) looks like Silverstone's doppleganger at times, adding another intriguing layer to the film.