Keeper Review: A Look Into Osgood Perkins’ Latest Horror Film
Osgood Perkins has built a reputation for delivering unique entries in the horror genre, with films like Longlegs and The Monkey showcasing his ambitious approach to storytelling. However, his latest work, Keeper, presents a significant departure from his earlier successes. Set against the backdrop of a secluded cabin in the woods, this surrealist horror film tells the story of a couple, Liz and Malcolm, as they navigate their complex relationship amidst disturbing occurrences. From the outset, the film seems to set a chilling tone, with unsettling visuals that promise a gripping tale.
The Initial Appeal of Keeper
As the film unfolds, it initially grips the audience with a series of eerie visuals. From women engulfed in blood to disorienting shot compositions, the film creates an atmosphere ripe for horror. One striking scene captures Liz in a bath, where an ominous handprint appears on a foggy window behind her, introducing the idea of unseen horrors. Questions begin to form around the nature of the terror lurking in this seemingly idyllic location. Yet, as the narrative progresses, it becomes increasingly evident that the film loses its direction, leaving viewers questioning the film’s purpose and the inconsistencies in its storytelling.
Character Development and Relationship Dynamics
One of the key elements in any compelling horror film is the development of its characters. However, Keeper falls short in this regard. Liz, portrayed by the talented Tatiana Maslany, oscillates between relatable and enigmatic. Her character exhibits behavior that is difficult to understand, leading to a disconnect between the audience and her journey. The relationship with Malcolm, played by Rossif Sutherland, also suffers from this lack of depth. Despite being in a long-term relationship, their dynamic is disappointingly mundane.
- Liz’s character: Displays erratic behavior that ranges from grounded to bizarre.
- Malcolm’s role: Lacks substance and complexity, rendering him forgettable.
- Missed opportunities: The film misses chances to explore the emotional weight of their isolation.
This lack of exploration into their relationship leaves the film feeling disjointed. As horror often capitalizes on emotional stakes, the film’s reliance on vague character motivations weakens its impact. Rather than delving into the complexities of their bond under stress, Keeper adopts a shallow approach, ultimately failing to evoke any significant reactions from the audience.
Narrative Structure: A Confused Attempt at Horror
As the narrative progresses, Keeper attempts to blend various subgenres of horror, creating confusion rather than clarity. It oscillates between being a creature feature, a psychological thriller, and a ghost story. This chaotic amalgamation leaves the film scrambling to establish a cohesive feel. At various points, Liz encounters threatening visions and inexplicable phenomena, but the connections between these events remain tenuous at best.
Viewers are left disoriented, filled with unanswered questions. For instance, when a creature suddenly appears, expectations lead one to believe this will be a pivotal element of the plot; however, its significance quickly fades into irrelevance. Even in scenes that create tension, such as when a neighbor intrudes while Liz is alone, the build-up deflates swiftly, leaving little impact.
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Creativity | Attempts to use various horror tropes without significant follow-through. |
| Coherence | Lacks continuity, creating confusion around its main themes. |
| Tension | Initial suspense fails to maintain momentum. |
This disjointed narrative structure ultimately leads to a film that feels more like a collection of horror tropes thrown together than a carefully crafted story. The film’s shortcomings raise the question: what exactly is Keeper trying to convey?
Visuals and Atmosphere in Keeper
The visual presentation is one of the strongest aspects of Keeper. Perkins employs striking cinematography, showcasing the eerie beauty of the secluded cabin and surrounding woods. The unsettling imagery is effectively disconcerting at times, maintaining an aura of uncertainty. However, the film becomes visually engaging without being substantively rewarding, leading to an experience that feels hollow despite its aesthetic appeal.
Throughout the film, several scenes stand out due to their striking visuals:
- The Handprint Scene: A poor attempt at foreshadowing that never resonates.
- Forest Encounters: Attempts at creature features fall flat when the creatures remain inconsequential.
- Nightmarish Final Act: Provides the audience with hints of creativity but arrives too late to salvage the plot.
The tension built throughout the visuals is palpable yet repeatedly undercut by the lack of a coherent story and character depth. This consistent cycle of build-up and subsequent disappointment detracts from the horror experience. The visuals, while captivating, cannot compensate for the film’s lack of substantial content.
Cinematic Techniques vs. Substance
While Perkins exhibits a distinct style and employs various cinematic techniques to evoke unease, the substance behind these decisions remains questionable. The film’s overall message appears muddled, with important elements introduced but not explored. The supernatural aspects sometimes feel like they exist for shock value rather than serving the story.
| Technique | Impact |
|---|---|
| Unconventional Framing | Creates a sense of disorientation. |
| Surreal Imagery | Attempts to invoke horror but lacks logical connections. |
| Sound Design | Enhances the atmosphere but doesn’t compensate for narrative flaws. |
Ultimately, while the visuals may entice fans of the horror genre, they do not make up for the film’s narrative shortcomings. Viewer disappointment is likely to stem from the mismatch between visual flair and the substance expected in a horror film.
The Disappointing Reception of Keeper
As reviews pour in, Keeper is met with mixed reactions, notably leaning toward disappointment. Critics highlight its ambition as a horror film but lament its failure to deliver a cohesive story or relatable characters. The potential exhibited in earlier films does not carry over, leading many to muse over where Perkins went wrong this time.
Most reviews echo a similar sentiment, pointing out:
- Lack of Coherence: Many narratives fall apart, causing frustration.
- Underdeveloped Characters: Maslany’s performance is often overshadowed by her character’s inconsistency.
- Lost Opportunities: The film fails to explore relationship dynamics critical to horror.
For horror fans looking for a gripping experience, Keeper may end up being a disappointing film. Both Perkins’s strengths and weaknesses as a director are laid bare, resulting in a film that feels experimental but ultimately lacks the depth necessary for an effective horror movie. As Perkins continues to explore the horror genre, it becomes crucial to reconsider his approach.
