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The Lodgers

The Lodgers (2017)

Oct 05, 2017 1h 33m Horror Thriller Mystery

1920, rural Ireland. Anglo-Irish twins Rachel and Edward share a strange existence in their crumbling family estate. Each night, the property becomes the domain of a sinister presence (The Lodgers) which enforces three rules upon the twins: they must be in bed by midnight; they may not permit an outsider past the threshold; and if one attempts to escape, the life of the other is placed in jeopardy. When troubled war veteran Sean returns to the nearby village, he is immediately drawn to the mysterious Rachel, who in turn begins to break the rules set out by The Lodgers. The consequences pull Rachel into a deadly confrontation with her brother - and with the curse that haunts them.

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Directed by Brian O'Malley

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Brian O'Malley
Writer
  • David Turpin
Producer
  • Julianne Forde
  • Ruth Treacy

Reviews

Gimly
4/10

Without spoilers, _The Lodgers_ overall takes a format that I have seen a lot in the past couple of years, it's a schematic that I was never the biggest fan of in the first place, and _The Lodgers_ certainly is not the best of the bunch that have approached this sort of material in recent times.

_Final rating:★★ - Definitely not for me, but I sort of get the appeal._

May 15, 2018

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Thematic Analysis

This Horror/Thriller/Mystery film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. The Lodgers presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.

Director Brian O'Malley brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2017, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of The Lodgers took approximately 31 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 93 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 114 minutes long.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • The screenplay went through 8 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.

Historical Context

  • In 2017, when this film is released:
  • Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
  • Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While The Lodgers shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Disconnected, which focuses more on action than character development, The Lodgers offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Next of Kin and Ghostkeeper explore similar territory, The Lodgers stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: October 5, 2017
  • Runtime: 1h 33m
  • Revenue: $916,727

Where to Watch

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