THE STORY – When an 8-year-old girl mysteriously vanishes, a series of past deaths and disappearances start to link together, forever altering a broken family’s history.
THE CAST – Dylan O’Brien, Eliza Scanlen, Lauren Ambrose, Eric Lange & Sam Hennings
THE TEAM – Celine Held & Logan George (Directors/Writers)
THE RUNNING TIME – 99 Minutes
“Caddo Lake” is being marketed heavily as a film by producer M. Night Shyamalan, who released his latest film “Trap” earlier this year. Additionally, he also produced his daughter’s feature directorial debut, “The Watchers,” this year. As expected, both films fall into the horror genre, with a film under the Shyamalan name. However, although Logan George and Celine Held’s film is currently being marketed as a horror-thriller, that may not be the best genre to categorize it. And that may not be a bad thing.
Much cannot be said about the plot of the much-anticipated film, as the audience’s success may benefit from going in as blind as possible. However, the film centers on Paris (Dylan O’Brien) and Ellie (Eliza Scanlen), two individuals who happen to live in the same Texas town that is surrounded by Caddo Lake, an area of water that borders Texas and Louisiana, where people constantly navigate to get to where they desire. Both characters are suffering in similar yet different ways. Paris is grieving the death of his mother, who died suddenly from an illness, but is adamant that there is something else that played a part in her death. While Ellie is, by all means, estranged from her mother, Celeste (Lauren Ambrose), due to the fact that she won’t speak about her father, who has been missing and presumed dead for years. Ellie’s stepsister, Anna (Caroline Falk), is the only thing holding this family somewhat together; she desperately wants Ellie to get along with her father and Celeste. But Ellie is often prompted to leave and escapes on her motor boat. But when Anna goes out on her own motor boat to follow Ellie and never returns, the entire town, particularly Paris and Ellie, is set on a search that unravels more mysteries than Anna’s disappearance.
Only a few things can be said about the rest of the basic plot. And rightfully so, as “Caddo Lake” works best when the audience is figuring out the film’s mysteries at the same time its characters do. George and Held, who also co-wrote the film in addition to directing it, have a lot to say about one’s relationship with family and the land one’s family resides on, and it is pulled off effectively in “Caddo Lake.” The genre pieces play well into the narrative as one becomes invested in where Anna went and what is occurring in the lake. As per any film under the Shyamalan name, there are a few twists and turns, but the screenplay slowly peels back its mystery, allowing the characters to figure out their circumstances and course-correct due to these realizations. And thanks to its stellar cast, the audience becomes incredibly engaged for the entire film’s runtime.
Both leads provide strong work, as O’Brien and Scaneln are often alone in the frame, reacting to the actions occurring to them. The screenplay relies on having the actors be able to convey their thoughts through the lens as we watch them process the events that just occurred and figure out a new plan to deal with the new elements. Scaneln has an easier job since she is working with more actors and has a more direct narrative, which makes these parts of the film more engaging – it is apparent that Ellie is close to her stepsister and feels not only determination to find Anna but guilt for being the reason she disappeared in the first place. O’Brien’s Paris is a more mysterious character, but he is able to convey Paris’ earnest spirit and tortured soul, which is just seeking justice and answers. There is an intense soberness to Paris and intensity in general to O’Brien’s performance that only builds as the film continues, resulting in one of his strongest performances in recent memory. Ambrose sometimes plays into the melodrama at the beginning of the film but also provides the most cathartic and emotional moments in the film’s final moments. All of the performances work great in achieving the best version of the film, but there are some sound mixing issues at times where it is difficult to hear the dialogue over the sound effects and provoking score by David Baloche.
It is rare to watch a film with entirely fresh eyes, but sometimes, it is best to do that to allow the artists at hand to unfold their story in the way they intended to do so (without a trailer or marketing campaign). In other words: let the film and story speak for itself. “Caddo Lake” is a delightful surprise of this year’s spooky season that will both entertain and move its audience members. It might not be a horror or even a thriller, as it has been marketed, which may be a turnoff from Shyamalan’s general fans. However, the genre components used here are skillfully crafted by George and Held, who steadily build up the momentum in their 100-minute film. The screenplay is simple and effective, the direction is engaging and patient, and the performances are effective, making it a more than entertaining and eerie viewing on the Max streaming service.
