Eden Lake
Weinstein Company, The | Release Date: October 31, 2008
6.5
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 102 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
60
Mixed:
22
Negative:
20
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User scoreBy dateMost helpful
7
HalfwelshmanFeb 25, 2012
Eden Lake's underlying message may be a bit Daily Mail, but it remains an extremely effective British horror film. It's tense, scary, and well-performed (particularly by Kelly Reilly and the terrifying Jack O'Connell). Writer/director JamesEden Lake's underlying message may be a bit Daily Mail, but it remains an extremely effective British horror film. It's tense, scary, and well-performed (particularly by Kelly Reilly and the terrifying Jack O'Connell). Writer/director James Watkins skillfully contrasts the idyllic middle-class lifestyles of Jenny (Reilly) and Steve (Michael Fassbender) with the nightmarish wilderness in which they find themselves stranded and hunted by a gang of truly monstrous teenagers. The whole film has a feeling of steadily building dread, which doesn't abate even when we reach the film's excellently terrifying finale. Even the idea of demonic teenagers as a credible threat in a horror film works, and all the better since unrest we witnessed in the UK last year. Perhaps the film's beginning is a little too twee and drawn out, and you do find yourself feeling as though you're living inside a right-wing tabloid once the film really gets going. However, Eden Lake is just a horror film using British paranoia about unruly teeenagers to create something scary - it's not really endorsing the ridiculous sweeping statements about society that tabloids are often guilty of making. As a horror film, it succeeds - it's scary, it's tense, it's gruesome, and it's got a classic horror movie structure - city dwellers go to the country and have to fight for survival when they encounter some nasty locals - it's pure Texas Chainsaw Massacre! As a social commentary, you can't take it too seriously, but then again, I doubt that's what James Watkins ever intended his film to be. You'll certainly think twice before leaving the safety of your house and going camping in the wilderness again!… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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7
JacobparkerMay 30, 2013
Ooouch this hurts while watching!
A helpless atmosphere and a exciting and nervous breakdown will haunt you after watching.
Definitely not fot the faint of heart!
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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8
DavidCJan 9, 2009
A truly hard-hitting piece of filming. When watching this my stomach was in knots, I couldn't believe just how it turned into such drastic consequences however after the film it was an unfortunate truth that events like this could A truly hard-hitting piece of filming. When watching this my stomach was in knots, I couldn't believe just how it turned into such drastic consequences however after the film it was an unfortunate truth that events like this could actually happen. No matter who's characters shoes you put yourself in you can actually see how the chain of events led to the disastrous outcome. An amazing film and although it hurts to admit...realistic… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
UsmanHJan 8, 2009
characterization in the movie is done through keen observation.that's why its believable.I have seen the parents torturing psychology, their children to insanity and seen the kids slapping their parents on face.Its truly brilliant how characterization in the movie is done through keen observation.that's why its believable.I have seen the parents torturing psychology, their children to insanity and seen the kids slapping their parents on face.Its truly brilliant how the director caught the "real" culprit.kids are not born bad but the conditions and influences make them that way.behavior of parents is greatly affecting their mind and thinking.the result is what happened in this movie.they are terrorizing other for their happiness and might be beating their own parents when they cough loudly at the age of 90.one of the biggest responsibilities is to bring up the kids in right way.and this is where people fail.robbers and murderers would not have been fooling around if they would been caught up right in their youth by parents.this is the most shining aspect of the movie.to deliver a message is not an effort but to deliver it so believably so people can relate to it , is the remarkable job.which is done by this director.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
KorayDFeb 6, 2009
Some plot inconsistencies aside a really believable film. She is just gorgeous and the ending, oh the ending.... Can't say anything about it as it will spoil. It's a bit like the youngsters losing their way and ending up arizona Some plot inconsistencies aside a really believable film. She is just gorgeous and the ending, oh the ending.... Can't say anything about it as it will spoil. It's a bit like the youngsters losing their way and ending up arizona desert with some pyhico red-necks - British style. But unlike the American version this one is believable.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
chriseJul 27, 2009
I completely disagree with the writer of this review that this kind of thing doesn't happen. Whilst this film might be extreme reality the fact is that anyone living in Britain would not be surprised if they read about this in the I completely disagree with the writer of this review that this kind of thing doesn't happen. Whilst this film might be extreme reality the fact is that anyone living in Britain would not be surprised if they read about this in the paper. Yes not all teenagers are knife wielding idiots but a lot of them are. I'm not an old fogey looking down on kids as I am one myself so I'm saying this with knowledge of the subject. Does this reviewer live in Britain full time because if they did they would know this isn't far from the truth.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
KyleNov 6, 2008
Brilliant film... Up there with Martyrs and Let the Right One in for best horror films of the year. Reminded me of the Descent in many ways(David Julyan also did the score The Descent).
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
DanJan 15, 2009
I was on the edge of my seat for the entire film. Don't read about it first, just go in blank. The surprises are what gives this film it's greatest suspense.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
MarkNov 16, 2008
The film doesn't feed the tabloid 'feeding frenzy' on chavs, it feeds OFF it. And fair play, because that is valid horror subject matter. I would ask Mr Bennett of 'The Hollywood Reporter' whether he's actually The film doesn't feed the tabloid 'feeding frenzy' on chavs, it feeds OFF it. And fair play, because that is valid horror subject matter. I would ask Mr Bennett of 'The Hollywood Reporter' whether he's actually been to Britain? You see we do have a bit of a problem. I'm afraid if you're labouring under the delusion that kids don't do stuff like this, you're sorely mistaken. I understand this doesn't go down well with bubble-wrapped ultra liberals, but that doesn't stop it from being the truth.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
AllySFeb 17, 2009
Good horror movie. Best British horror since The Descent (the director is going on to write The Descent 2). A really tough and brutal watch but if you can stomach it you will be rewarded with a tense and compelling film. I really liked the Good horror movie. Best British horror since The Descent (the director is going on to write The Descent 2). A really tough and brutal watch but if you can stomach it you will be rewarded with a tense and compelling film. I really liked the fact that there was no creepy monsters but that the couple are running from a bunch of kids. I think the reflection on society is quite valid, while it may pander to media scare mongering that doesn't stop it from being any more relevant.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
GrantZAug 18, 2009
Brutal, well-acted and terrifying at times. This film makes you think twice before going camping in the middle of nowhere. The killers are kids for gods sake. They're horrible, if i was stuck in sometihng like that, i'd run them Brutal, well-acted and terrifying at times. This film makes you think twice before going camping in the middle of nowhere. The killers are kids for gods sake. They're horrible, if i was stuck in sometihng like that, i'd run them over. Some parts make you cringe, and some cry, the ending will definitely affect you. IT'S EVIL!!!!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
skim123May 17, 2011
Solid horror movie with an interesting angle - the antagonists are just typical unruly kids, rather than the typical cheesy supernatural horror villain. Executes the premise pretty believably.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
rotkuMay 20, 2012
Stylish thriller/horror which starts slowly but builds into a mix between Straw Dogs and Hostel. Some moments of human stupidity under stress do detract from the fluidity at times. It is however graphic and entertaining.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
Delboy504Dec 8, 2014
Eden Lake, watched for the second time and still looks great.
Most men and I suspect a lot of women will find the actions of the main characters frustrating.
Why go into a restricted area in the first place, why park your car a long wayEden Lake, watched for the second time and still looks great.
Most men and I suspect a lot of women will find the actions of the main characters frustrating.
Why go into a restricted area in the first place, why park your car a long way from where you want to be and why stick around unless you intend to really make a stand for yourself.
Later in the film both main characters again seem to lose useful weapons such as a heavy stick and a large spanner, plus why go to such a remote area and put yourself and your best girl in a possible compromising situation?
Great film, very violent, excellently played by all the cast and I am sure a lot of peoples worst nightmare.… Expand
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7
FilipeNetoAug 23, 2020
This film is another one of those films where an unsuspecting couple, due to a trivial situation, becomes a victim of a mortal, scary and dangerous situation. We have already seen a lot of these, like the films "You're Next" or "The LastThis film is another one of those films where an unsuspecting couple, due to a trivial situation, becomes a victim of a mortal, scary and dangerous situation. We have already seen a lot of these, like the films "You're Next" or "The Last House on the Left", also based on the same premises, but that does not takes away, I think, the merit due to this film that, despite from failures, it manages to give us what it promises: entertainment under tension.

The script shows how a couple sees their plans for a romantic weekend, on the shores of a beautiful secluded lake, spoiled by a group of threatening and dangerous teenagers led by a "wannabe" psychopath. The story starts well and develops in a crescendo of violence and brutality, and the way the characters present themselves allows us to establish a good empathy with the couple and want to see the punishment of that devilish brats. James Watkins, who signs the direction and the script, was able to do an excellent job and knew how to guide and develop his film in the best way. Its explicitly violent so its inadvisable for children, and even teenagers and young adults should view it with the some precautions. But that does not mean that it is not a good film... in fact, its one of the best films of its kind that I have seen.

The excellent performance of the cast was decisive for the quality of the final product. On the one hand we have Kelly Reilly, absolutely convincing in her role and managing not to be histrionic and appear genuine. On the other hand, a huge Michael Fassbender, in one of the first cinema works of his career, opening the doors to higher flights. He was truly authentic and genuine. But the villains were not far behind! Jack O'Connell was scary in the role of leader Brett and Finn Atkins was also excellent and hateful. Unfortunately, the ending manages to disappoint us for not giving us what we want.

Technically, it seemed like a regular film, we can even say that it was well done if we take into account the limited budget and the fact that it is an independent film. Cinematography offers us good scenery and an excellent choice of landscapes, in addition to the intelligent use of film drones for aerial view scenes. The costumes and effects also seemed convincing to me, especially that filthy trash can where that character has to hide, which even made me vomit.… Expand
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8
deli000Jan 15, 2022
If you can suspend your disbelief - that this film's cast of villains is exaggerated and borderline comical - then this film will leave you shaken to the core with its succulent doses of tensity.

The film follows Michael Fassbender and KellyIf you can suspend your disbelief - that this film's cast of villains is exaggerated and borderline comical - then this film will leave you shaken to the core with its succulent doses of tensity.

The film follows Michael Fassbender and Kelly Reilly acting it out as a couple looking to spend time together in a secluded lake. They arrive there, seeking to relax, and for Fassbender's character, it is the perfect time for him to push their relationship further with a special plan. As with other horror films of this nature, the couple's romantic trip derails quickly into violence as their collision with a group of teenagers (led by Brett, played by Jack O'Connell) fuels a fight for survival.

Eden Lake operates on the same fundamental level as its contemporaries, fulfilling its role as dirty violence. The film is tense, gory, and conclusively upsetting, but that's what makes it work so well. Forget about moral complications and deeper thematic constructs. Maybe there's something interesting here with the way it tackles the moral decay of the working class and its unchecked youth. It's clear, however, that the film is less concerned with its ideas and is more geared towards serving a fine slasher horror. And that's where its strength lies.

It's fun to have a film that can be both delicious in its bloody imagery and utterly dreadful in its bleak story. Kelly Reilly gives out a performance that allows much of the film's straightforward plot to remain engaging, as her role as the girlfriend leaves a memorable portrayal of one's thirst for survival. It's Reilly's performance that evokes an appeal that compliments O'Connell's unrelenting brutality. At the end of the day, the film is strictly linear in regards to following a conventional formula. But sometimes, it's all you need for this type of work. Besides, it is tightly executed and provides an explosive ending.

If anything, Eden Lake packs a delicious sucker punch to the stomachs of its audience. And that - is good enough.… Expand
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