Synopsis: LOVELY, DARK, AND DEEP is a psychological horror that centers on Lennon who seizes the opportunity to assume the coveted role of a back-country ranger at a remote outpost. While adapting to her solitary existence in the wilderness, she becomes aware of a lurking, sinister presence. Driven by the need for answers, Lennon embarks on a journey through the ominous terrain, seeking to unveil the long-standing mystery that has haunted her since childhood.
Being alone is an interesting concept. Depending on the place, circumstances, and form of alone you’re experiencing, the emotions you elicit will vary. Being isolated is usually done by force and is accompanied by fear or panic. Solitude is typically peaceful and chosen by the individual. Then there’s deserted and abandoned where you’re left behind to fend for yourself while angry and/or saddened. Nevertheless, there is a duality to each synonym because being alone, despite fear and possibly danger, is what you make of it. Every lone moment of fear has strength and bravery embedded within it. You are never truly on your own as the teachings and wisdom from those you’ve learned from are always with you. On the other hand, I don’t know what that huge shadowy figure is or where that growl came from. So, forget what you’ve learned and get the hell out of there.
“Replace what you took or they’ll keep you.”
Just when you thought the forest couldn’t get any more unnerving, here we are. Written and directed by Teresa Sutherland, Lovely, Dark, and Deep adds a new level of grim intrigue to being lost in the woods. A new fear will be unlocked. I think it goes without saying, we live in a world of unknowns. We can do experiments, speculate, and have faith, but none of us truly know how our world was cultivated. Many theories, fairytales, and explanations, as fantastical as they seem, could potentially be true. Moreover, they’re not only possible but simultaneously fun and terrifying to think about. This creative and eerie realm is where this film resides. More topical than expected and seemingly inspired by recent disappearances in national parks, Lovely, Dark, and Deep asks and answers what happens to people who go missing in the forest.
Taking place within a national park but honed in on a very personal and intimate journey, there’s a balance of vastness and claustrophobia at play. With so many places to run and hide, there’s nowhere actually to go. Eventually, every tree looks the same, every trail has the same footsteps, and the lake is not where it’s supposed to be. And to add to anxiety, there is a malevolent force lurking and watching your every move. The chill of hopelessness slowly creeps into your subconscious and caresses your sense of intrigue and wonderment. However, it does take a while to reach that point. The isn’t a horror film that will resonate with the casual viewer. Not because of its subject matter but rather due to the film’s pace. The happenings are too spaced out and almost too late in the film.
“Where’s your sister?”
The atmospheric film is incredibly idyllic with beautiful shots of the landscape and giant majestic trees that juxtapose the darkness that is constantly looming. I will say, a few shots do feel somewhat repetitive, but it looks great nonetheless. Driven by past trauma and self-reliance, it’s easy to put yourself in the shoes of this somewhat scary solo saga. Unfortunately, despite its fitting tone, haunting score, and a nice performance by Georgina Campbell, it’s not enough to send this movie over the top. The concept of Lovely, Dark, and Deep is incredible but the story could’ve used more texture and leaned in more to its darker aspects. Subsequently, the film is still worth watching for the lore alone. Its rewatchability is medium.
Pace & Pop
Even with a modest runtime, this film is very much a slow burn. It lulls you into a false sense of security and before you know it, it has invaded your mind and sent you into an almost psychedelic trance. The pace builds some great tension and anticipation, however, with it taking so long to reach substantial moments, the payoff doesn’t feel worth it. What popped for me was the feeling of unease that was prominent throughout. The forest is creepy enough but the added layer of you owing it something
Characters & Chemistry
Starring: Georgina Campbell, Nick Blood, Wai Ching Ho
Georgina Campbell can do it all. After this intense performance and wowing audiences in Barbarian, it’s clear that she’s a natural fit in the horror genre. While there may not be inherently haunting visuals, it’s Campbell’s commitment to the mystically dread tale that makes it pop.
Lovely, Dark, and Deep is currently available via VOD as of February 22, 2024. Stay safe and avoid the forest.
Rated: NR Runtime: 1h 27m Director: Teresa Sutherland Writer: Teresa Sutherland Producer: Josh Waller Executive Producers: Stefanie Coimbra, Molly C. Quinn, Matthew M. Welty, Elan Gale
https://youtube.com/watch?v=l78Serj793I%3Fsi%3DIyEO1U-en_bo6yzP
Lovely, Dark, and Deep adds a new level of grim intrigue to being lost in the woods.
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GVN Rating
Senior Critic. Observing the human race since 1988.
