Lake of Death – Shudder Review (2/5)

LAKE OF DEATH is a Shudder horror movie from Norway. It’s a modern remake of a 1958 Norwegian horror movie. I really wanted to enjoy it a lot more than I did, but I think other viewers will be happy. Read our full Lake of Death review here and watch on Shudder now!

LAKE OF DEATH is a new horror movie on Shudder. This one is from Norway, where it also takes place. In fact, it’s a remake of the 1958 Norwegian horror movie credited with starting the genre’s success in the country.

This version of the story is, of course, a more modern retelling. Why else do a remake?! Obviously, you will also reach a much larger audience with a remake featuring up-and-coming talent. Still, I do wish the end result had been better than this movie turned out.

Continue reading our Lake of Death review below and check it out on Shudder now.

A classic cabin in the woods horror story

In many ways, Lake of Death is a very classic horror story. In fact, it’s the classic “cabin in the woods” horror story. And since it’s based on a 1958 movie (which was based on a book), then you can’t really hold this against it.

Also, horror fans should appreciate the fact that several iconic horror movies and characters are references throughout this film. There’s the sleepwalking issue that brings up Freddy Krueger. Or how about the door in the floor that leads to an unknown cellar. Oh yeah, you cannot help but think of Evil Dead when that happens.

Neither can the characters and this does make Lake of Death come across as a love letter to the genre at times. Unfortunately, the movie itself isn’t one of the better horror movies.

One issue is (I’m very sorry to say) that the leading character is desperately depressing and just boring. Her name is Lilian and she’s portrayed Iben Akerlie, who is usually really good. Fortunately, she is in André Øverdal‘s upcoming Mortal (2020), so I’m hoping for full redemption there. Also, she’s cast in an upcoming Norwegian horror movie (slated to come out in 2021).

Also, I should commend Sophia Lie on playing the very sweet and feisty Sonja in Lake of Death. I really hope we’ll see her soon in another genre film as well. Another intriguing character was Bernhard – a podcaster and prankster – who was portrayed by a charming Jakob Schøyen Andersen. He was a total scene-stealer that brought much-needed energy every time.

The very handsome dark-haired man is Jonathan Harboe from Denmark, who should be heading for greatness. His character in Lake of Death isn’t that exciting since he spends most of his time trying to keep his girlfriend, Lillian, out of trouble.

Horror from Norway? Hell yes!

Norway has actually made quite a lot of amazing horror movies. Many of which have also become worldwide successes or even franchises. From the wacky horror-comedy Dead Snow to the dark and brutal Cold Prey which spawned a franchise. Whenever a Norwegian horror movie comes out, I always tend to get my hopes up!

While there are many Norwegian horror movies I would recommend, unfortunately, I can’t really claim that I enjoyed Lake of Death. And I really wanted to, so maybe I ended up ruining it for myself.

Especially since this movie also has two Danish actors and a Swedish one in its small cast. To non-Scandinavians, it might not even be noticeable, but three languages are actually spoken in this movie. The Danish, Swedish, and Norwegian people all have their own language and whenever we talk to each other, we tend to do so in our own language.

That’s also the case in this film. So, if you’re thinking that the accents in Lake of Death sound wildly different, you’re completely right. And yes, these three languages do also have some different dialects among them.

Watch Lake of Death on Shudder now!

Nini Bull Robsahm is the writer and director of Lake of Death. This is her third feature film as a director and her first horror movie. Her previous movie, Amnesia (2014), was a thriller though, so she has worked with the darker stories before.

As a writer, Nini Bull Robsahm debuted with her screenplay for Rovdyr (2008) which she wrote with its director under the name “Ninni Bull T. Robsahm”. Now, Rovdyr – which also has the international title Manhunt – is a straight-up horror movie. You know, the kind that plays out in 1974 in the woods and mountains, which results in a lot of blood spill.

Lake of Death is a very different kind of horror movie, where the psychological and supernatural elements play a larger role. It’s a mystery that seems to become even more mysterious because the lead character is very confused. I enjoyed parts of it but as a whole, I expected a lot more. Ultimately, that meant I was disappointed, but I honestly think others will love it!

Lake of Death is out on Shudder from July 16, 2020. 

Details

Director: Nini Bull Robsahm
Writer: Nini Bull Robsahm
Stars: Patrick Walshe McBride, Ulric von der Esch, Iben Akerlie, Elias Munk, Jonathan Harboe, Sophia Lie, Jakob Schøyen Andersen