A24 | Release Date: October 18, 2019
8.0
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 605 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
501
Mixed:
52
Negative:
52
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8
NickTheCritickNov 2, 2021
What should I say about this movie? Eggers confirms to be one of the greatest directors alive, this movie has a directing and cinematography that reminds Lovecraft, Bergman, Tarkovsky and in general the old European nord directors and it's aWhat should I say about this movie? Eggers confirms to be one of the greatest directors alive, this movie has a directing and cinematography that reminds Lovecraft, Bergman, Tarkovsky and in general the old European nord directors and it's a great movie that alternates thrilling/horror moments with dark humour ones. This movie is not as perfect as "The Witch" was and I still prefer Egger's previous work over this one probabily because this movie is maybe a little bit derivative (he reminds me an old french movie called "Gardiens de Phare"). Anyway the level here is extremely high again and every scene is simply visually as beautiful as it gets. Dafoe and Pattinson here just provides master of acting. If "The Witch" was a masterpiece, this one is not but it's a great movie, one of those movies you don't see anymore today. Expand
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8
Gts08Nov 8, 2022
Another proof that 2019 was one of the greatest years of film since 1994. Maybe THE greatest. With films like Joker, Parasite, Knives Out, The Irishman or The Lighthouse, 2019 was the most satisfying year to watch a film of our generation.Another proof that 2019 was one of the greatest years of film since 1994. Maybe THE greatest. With films like Joker, Parasite, Knives Out, The Irishman or The Lighthouse, 2019 was the most satisfying year to watch a film of our generation. The Lighthouse is a straight-up psycho-thriller (while also being literally the best horror of the century), with two actual human characters (one is performed by the great Robert Pattinson and the other is the even greater Willem Dafoe), fantastic cinematography, a haunting atmosphere, and these things will make you either love or hate this film. But it will definitely be memorable. It has many already iconic scenes (imo), while it explores the darkest parts of madness and insanity. Recommended. 8/10 Expand
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7
TVJerryOct 31, 2019
The director of "The Witch" has created another weirdo mood piece. Willem Dafoe plays the crusty old lighthouse keeper who continually farts and berates his young new partner (Robert Pattinson). Their relationship becomes ever more twistedThe director of "The Witch" has created another weirdo mood piece. Willem Dafoe plays the crusty old lighthouse keeper who continually farts and berates his young new partner (Robert Pattinson). Their relationship becomes ever more twisted and dark, as their isolated existence bears down on their souls. Both actors get plenty of opportunity for excess (especially Dafoe) with grand statements and sometimes confusing period dialogue. The square aspect ratio and dramatic black and white cinematography add to the artistic look, while the ominous soundtrack continually invades the action with a heavy hand. As things become more bizarre, it reminded me of the detached weirdness of David Lynch's "Eraserhead." Some will find this film's peculiar, creepy vibe mesmerizing, while others will think it's a pretentious, over the top exercise in self indulgence. I'm in the middle… appreciated it more than loved it. Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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7
donelsonFeb 6, 2020
Amazing performances by Dafoe and Pattinson, but truly repulsive at times. A very hard movie to like, 20 minutes too long, as well.
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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7
jas_onJan 13, 2020
Expertly crafted and acted, with a somewhat disappointingly vague ending. I was on the edge of my seat throughout.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
FranzHcriticNov 3, 2019
It's a surreal, psychological and visceral experience. I haven't seen black and white since 'Nebraska', but 'The Lighthouse' is one of the few films to make it integral. It adds to the melancholy that our protagonists, whom Pattinson andIt's a surreal, psychological and visceral experience. I haven't seen black and white since 'Nebraska', but 'The Lighthouse' is one of the few films to make it integral. It adds to the melancholy that our protagonists, whom Pattinson and Dafoe play with a triumphant and tormented force, have to face. The storytelling, however, seems to disjointed and attempts to be too much of an art film for me to properly enjoy it, steering'The Lighthouse' in the wrong direction at times, but from which the actors manage to salvage. Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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7
KeithDowNov 13, 2019
'The Lighthouse' ranges from artistic to avant-garde, and while some scenes push viewers towards uncomfortability, the overall merit of Robert Eggers' filmmaking isn't to be missed.
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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7
puntmanJan 9, 2020
Brilliant cinematography and set design. Authentic and period-immersive performances. But I left feeling empty and a little meh towards the characters. I do enjoy arthouse films, but perhaps this movie was too much for me to understand. ItBrilliant cinematography and set design. Authentic and period-immersive performances. But I left feeling empty and a little meh towards the characters. I do enjoy arthouse films, but perhaps this movie was too much for me to understand. It seemed that once everything was established, the characters only finished the dark path they each had started on, and any further expansion of the story stopped. I still recommend this film. It will probably become a cult classic and I will eventually re-watch and hopefully come to a better understand of the film. Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
nightmovesJul 11, 2021
The cinematography was great in that it made you feel claustrophobic and like you were spiraling into madness along with the main characters. The acting was superb. That being said, this movie was hard to enjoy and follow at times. I like aThe cinematography was great in that it made you feel claustrophobic and like you were spiraling into madness along with the main characters. The acting was superb. That being said, this movie was hard to enjoy and follow at times. I like a more straightforward movie, but can appreciate the nuances of the Lighthouse. Worth checking out. Expand
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7
amheretojudgeOct 19, 2019
The long non-blinking unflinching enactment of the monologues warps you back to the theatre and you are in one.

The Lighthouse Eggers offers a sense of vulnerability. That is his gift. Now let's look at the premise itself. No matter how
The long non-blinking unflinching enactment of the monologues warps you back to the theatre and you are in one.

The Lighthouse

Eggers offers a sense of vulnerability. That is his gift. Now let's look at the premise itself. No matter how beautifully and brilliantly will it be wrapped. It certainly would leave you depressed at the end of the day. Yet, I am happy with the final result. Of course, not talking about the themes and the plot and the genre it explores. But the filmmaking. The co-writer and director Robert Eggers's subjective method is enchanting. You are lured into the procedure. The writing. Often Shakespeare and often Dickens is seen or heard or subtexted. There is a morality clause threatening the wrong doers in the film that is impeccably heartbreaking. And I say heartbreaking, for it is not exactly denying any boundaries.

And if, forgetting all the conditional circumstances that these duo is surrounded with, it is and they could be pushed over the immoral section. The script is written in the opposite direction. In the sense that it motivates you to root for them to get on the wrong track. This is wrong and core of this art form. Now, you as an audience are struggling. The claustrophobic, the lunatic experience feels like a justice. You are told to ask for those moments.

And earns those moments are our characters. The master and the slave. The prolific and the dead. Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson shares, or more honestly snatches, this characteristic from real life, as mentioned, from their career as well as in the character. And for this almost perfect casting which should and does boost the plot, there is a sound and clear "thank you" echoed in your emotion as they dance extravagantly in the terrifying black and white shades. The Lighthouse is a collection of various artists collaborating for something purely evil. The "pure" part I like, I envy.
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1 of 3 users found this helpful12
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7
ProfAmateurApr 26, 2023
Horror is probably the wrong description for this film. But it is very creepy. The film alternates between funny, humiliating, dangerous and creepy scenes. According to the internet, the movie deals with some mythology themes, which honestlyHorror is probably the wrong description for this film. But it is very creepy. The film alternates between funny, humiliating, dangerous and creepy scenes. According to the internet, the movie deals with some mythology themes, which honestly no one who hasn't studied this subject understands. That's why the ending leaves a dissatisfied feeling. Expand
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7
hellomotherJul 5, 2020
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I don't really know what I just watched, but I guess it was shot pretty well and there was good acting. I mean I suppose I wasn't bored, so there's that. I suppose being trapped on an island in black and white while being forced to craft your own drinking alcohol would be pretty spooky. But I had many questions when the movie ended, like "What was the plot?", and "How did Willem Dafoe know Robert Pattinson was masturbating?" Who's mad? Am I mad? Maybe this is how the video tape in "The Ring" was produced. After all, there is a lighthouse in it, I think. I'ts been a while since I've watched that one. Hopefully I won't wake up in the middle of the night because of a fever dream where I want to **** a steak and jack off to a tiny statue that I found in my mattress.
Willem Dafoe made me believe he was a strange senile nutjob with his entertaining monologues, so that was fun.
All in all, would recommend. If you put this film on in front of a group of friends, you'll either clear the room out or maybe everyone will be slack-jawed once they see Robert Pattinson getting eaten by a gull.
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7
HabibiehakimJan 9, 2022
The Lighthouse was an ok movie overall for me, Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe performance was absolutely nuts not only in the good way but in the incredible way, they we're fantastic, the visual look of the film was beautiful, the blackThe Lighthouse was an ok movie overall for me, Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe performance was absolutely nuts not only in the good way but in the incredible way, they we're fantastic, the visual look of the film was beautiful, the black and white color was a perfect decision, but sadly they don't have the right main story, for me the story was just uninterested and mostly boring, and if it's not because of countless of great scene that really kinda cover the main story, i will give the movie a lower score, at in the end, The Lighthouse nailed pretty much everything except the story. Expand
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7
UltimobeakerJun 20, 2021
A great aesthetic coupled with excellent acting in this two-man character study. So, why the B+ review? The plot is pretty simple and places you in a series of disjoint vignettes that are weird for weirdness's sake. Yes, its a greatA great aesthetic coupled with excellent acting in this two-man character study. So, why the B+ review? The plot is pretty simple and places you in a series of disjoint vignettes that are weird for weirdness's sake. Yes, its a great reflection on the mindset of the characters, but do we really need that scrimshaw scene(you'll know what I mean)? Does that really add to the movie? I'm glad they took risks in making something different, but there is some room for polish. Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
Zac03Aug 8, 2021
"The Lighthouse" is a stunning psychological thriller with beautiful cinematography and haunting performances. Director Robert Eggers uses a simple premise to create an engrossing and memorable viewing experience that will keep you on the"The Lighthouse" is a stunning psychological thriller with beautiful cinematography and haunting performances. Director Robert Eggers uses a simple premise to create an engrossing and memorable viewing experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I liked aspects of his previous film, "The Witch," but I found the third act underwhelming. "The Lighthouse" is a vast improvement - and a great example of how to get a horror movie right. Willem Dafoe, who's always good, does an amazing job. Having been familiar with Robert Pattinson only from his unremarkable turn as Edward Cullen, I was pleasantly surprised by his intense but complicated performance. The music, sound design, and visuals of "The Lighthouse" are captivating. However I found a few scenes poorly lit, and Willem Dafoe's dialogue is difficult to understand due to the thickness of his sailor dialect. But despite a few problems here and there, "The Lighthouse" is a powerful tale of insanity and isolation. Expand
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7
ASpiderSep 5, 2021
This movie stands out for being different but it feels as though the writer/director was so focused upon it being different that he neglected to make it a coherent story.

Rather than truth being peeled open as the movie progresses, further
This movie stands out for being different but it feels as though the writer/director was so focused upon it being different that he neglected to make it a coherent story.

Rather than truth being peeled open as the movie progresses, further layers of ambiguity are added. This leads to a rather unsatisfactory ending.

It still gets a 7 for the strong nautical vibe and how uneasy it made me feel, which I much prefer to the boredom I have been left to deal with watching other mainstream movies of late, but don't watch this if you are easily disgusted!
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7
ChemikerAug 26, 2023
Интересный такой фильм в чернобелый стилистики, так как фильм основам на реальный событиях, с легка додуманных может быть, знаю только что происходило давно в 1801г, а в фильме выбран период с 1836 до 1912, но все таки примерно 1880-1900г,Интересный такой фильм в чернобелый стилистики, так как фильм основам на реальный событиях, с легка додуманных может быть, знаю только что происходило давно в 1801г, а в фильме выбран период с 1836 до 1912, но все таки примерно 1880-1900г, так как вроде выглядят более менее современно и вспомнили про королеву) Смотрю и думаю это ему кажется или на самом деле, что то странно происходит, даже если опустить русалку, разговаривают очень странно, перепады настроения старого, а молодой вообще терпел терпел и терпение кончилось. Я бы сказал фильм по настроению, у мены было такое нестандартное состояние решил глянуть не стандартный фильм, неплохо. Expand
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6
Compi24Nov 5, 2019
One of the year's most confounding watches for me -- not in that the film itself was confusing, but more in relation to my overall feelings regarding it. This movie has everything I could've possibly asked for. Brilliant cinematography andOne of the year's most confounding watches for me -- not in that the film itself was confusing, but more in relation to my overall feelings regarding it. This movie has everything I could've possibly asked for. Brilliant cinematography and set design. Incrediblly authentic and period-immersive performances. Unprompted farting. I should be fawning all over this. Instead, I'm left feeling empty and a little uncaring. Perhaps it's the inner normie inside me, yearning for just a little nudge in the direction of what I'm supposed to make of all this. Not a big hint. Just enough of an indication that my guess as to what this movie's really about is on the right track. Alas, I'm left with neverending possibility. And, while some may find this fact comforting or even exciting, it leads me to simply cling to my best (and only) guess and move on to the next thing. Maybe that'll have more to offer. Expand
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
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6
zacharyhasDec 26, 2019
Shot, acted and directed with skill, The Lighthouse is very atmsopheric but it's ambiguous choices near the end parallel some elements of the VVitch (among other films) a little too much to be truly revolutionary.
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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6
MarkHReviewsOct 30, 2019
Writer/Director Robert Eggers (“The Witch,” 2015) has created a fever dream of a film. A lighthouse keeper (Willem Dafoe) and his helper (Robert Pattinson) arrive on a tiny, remote island to staff a lighthouse for the next four weeks. TheyWriter/Director Robert Eggers (“The Witch,” 2015) has created a fever dream of a film. A lighthouse keeper (Willem Dafoe) and his helper (Robert Pattinson) arrive on a tiny, remote island to staff a lighthouse for the next four weeks. They work, they drink (a lot) and, soon enough, one or both of them begin a torturous descent into madness.

“The Lighthouse” is catnip for the art house crowd. The film is shot in 35mm black-and-white with an aspect ratio of 1.19:1 (this means the projected image is only 19% wider than its height), the projected images a boxy, noirish, claustrophobic tone. As a result, one of the most memorable elements of the entire film is its gritty, stark cinematography. If there’s any justice in the world, Cinematographer Jarin Blaschke, who partnered with Eggers on “The Witch,” should easily receive an Oscar nomination for his efforts. Because of the emphasis on the visuals, the script is spare – several minutes and two long farts have passed before a word is spoken.

On the screen, this is literally a two-person effort (the only other credited actor is a non-speaking mermaid whose scenes are as disturbing as they are brief). In fact, the only other characters of note in the film are seagulls. According to Director Eggers, three main stunt seagulls – Lady, Tramp and Johnny – were flown in from the UK to lend their expertise, seriously. Fortunately, the primary characters are totally worth the price of admission. Together and alone, Dafoe (“The Florida Project,” 133 acting credits, and counting) and Pattinson (showing depth and range never expected during his rise to fame with the “Twilight Saga”) are excellent. Each draws the audience close in every scene, then dares you to look away.

What this movie is about is another matter altogether. Before and since the film’s release, Eggers has been frustratingly elusive about his intentions. At every opportunity, he simply suggests that this is a ghost story set in a lighthouse off the coast of Maine in the late 19th century. Despite my public elementary and secondary education, I picked out a clear allusion to Prometheus and a couple of Herman Melville references. In a brief conversation after the film, a cinephile well above my pay grade told me she had picked up another dozen references from literature and other films. I left the theater dazzled but bewildered.

If David Lynch had a love child with one of the original writers of Greek mythology, “The Lighthouse” might well be the result.
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0 of 3 users found this helpful03
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6
akshatmahajanAug 30, 2020
This mind twisting movie was unbearable for me especially after first half. The cinematography was good and acting by the both actors was also good. This movie was one time watch and you will be not able to bear this movie second time.
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5
LamontRaymondOct 18, 2019
There are plenty of interesting moments, cool imagery, and even some funny dialogue, but this film is just too dense, and, dare to say, too boring. It feels like watching Melville's Billy Budd or the like. The acting is excellent, butThere are plenty of interesting moments, cool imagery, and even some funny dialogue, but this film is just too dense, and, dare to say, too boring. It feels like watching Melville's Billy Budd or the like. The acting is excellent, but there's simply not much for them to work with. I should have realized that I would have this reaction because I loathed this director's The Witch. This is far superior to that movie, but it's not one that I'd EVER recommend. Expand
4 of 14 users found this helpful410
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5
TejasNairOct 25, 2019
The Lighthouse, a quirky little haunting English drama about two lighthouse keepers who spiral into self-induced (does the cold weather's contribution signify something?) paranoia characterized by bouts of energetic dance and singingThe Lighthouse, a quirky little haunting English drama about two lighthouse keepers who spiral into self-induced (does the cold weather's contribution signify something?) paranoia characterized by bouts of energetic dance and singing performances and bromance and 30-second long monologues (one each by Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson; former wins) did not much impress me not because of the fan-fan-fantastic production setup or the arresting music by Mark Korven or the black-and-white frames that sometime make it difficult to follow scenes but because it takes a lot of time to get to the point and has, like, only quarter a dozen scenes that are going to stay with me till the end of my life. TN.

(Watched and reviewed at its India premiere at the 21st MAMI Mumbai Film Festival.)
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2 of 5 users found this helpful23
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5
moviecritic68Nov 8, 2019
Wish I could get as excited over this film as others have described but I put a lot of emphasis on exiting audiences expressions. What I saw was relief it was over. I had my hands full just urging my spouse to hang in until the end. Very lowWish I could get as excited over this film as others have described but I put a lot of emphasis on exiting audiences expressions. What I saw was relief it was over. I had my hands full just urging my spouse to hang in until the end. Very low budget since the whole film was shot in one location. The actors did their best but I'm not much on cult films. So I guess it's one of those films you will either really like or just the opposite. Expand
2 of 5 users found this helpful23
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5
TheEventsOf1989Dec 28, 2019
Even with good performances and unique visuals, upon later opinions and reflections I realized the story undoubtedly writes its way into a corner. Once everything is established, the characters only finish the dark path they started on, andEven with good performances and unique visuals, upon later opinions and reflections I realized the story undoubtedly writes its way into a corner. Once everything is established, the characters only finish the dark path they started on, and the story reveals unfortunately discontinue. Story is the basis of film, without it, style becomes unsavory flavor. Expand
3 of 4 users found this helpful31
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5
Willywonka180Jan 26, 2021
The Lighthouse could have been better. Plus I took away many stars cause they literally showed cum.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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5
MiracleBeamSep 4, 2023
A24 seems to be the home of middington, yet overrated directors. Premise and beginnings are foreboding, however the screenplay is far too wordy & the direction suffers, there's simply no room for suspense or even exposition. Creatively theA24 seems to be the home of middington, yet overrated directors. Premise and beginnings are foreboding, however the screenplay is far too wordy & the direction suffers, there's simply no room for suspense or even exposition. Creatively the premise is stunted art for arts sake; it drifts aimlessly in political and ahistorical limbo and has no greater meaning. Thus, is filler in much the same way grindhouse was drivethru filler due to the lack of investment in Hollywood, during the 70's (the big TV push). Expand
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4
imthenoobApr 18, 2020
It's the kind of movie that will divide people. While the performances, directing and cinematography were good, There were a few problems I had with it. The plot was pretty bare, the movie ran a bit too long for my tastes and it felt likeIt's the kind of movie that will divide people. While the performances, directing and cinematography were good, There were a few problems I had with it. The plot was pretty bare, the movie ran a bit too long for my tastes and it felt like there was never a moment I was truly into it. I just sort of watched it and that was it. Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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4
GLADIADORJan 13, 2020
Filme chato e muito cansativo, as unicas coisas que se salvam nesse filme é a atuação do willem dafoe e do robert pattinson e o visual do filme
0 of 3 users found this helpful03
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4
Ericio22Aug 9, 2020
Just because something is shot in a way that makes it stand out doesn't make it good.
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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3
Brent_MarchantFeb 17, 2020
Gorgeous cinematography, decent acting, a haunting soundtrack and a superbly crafted atmospheric mood aside, this otherwise-pointless, incomprehensible mess of a movie is a phenomenally huge, utterly confusing waste of time. Writer-directorGorgeous cinematography, decent acting, a haunting soundtrack and a superbly crafted atmospheric mood aside, this otherwise-pointless, incomprehensible mess of a movie is a phenomenally huge, utterly confusing waste of time. Writer-director Robert Eggers meticulously creates a well-crafted setting to tell a story and then fails to fill it with a tale worthy of its precisely realized milieu. In fact, what's supposed to be haunting and scary turns out to be downright laughable in the second hour, especially as the picture painfully limps toward its long-overdue conclusion. Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson deliver capable performances -- that is, when they can be understood, their mangled elocution of the picture's Herman Melville-esque dialogue so distorted that it's impossible to decipher what they're saying no matter how many times one plays back each painfully tedious scene. Whatever the filmmaker was going for here, it's certainly lost on the audience. Expand
2 of 5 users found this helpful23
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3
ThiagoGonMay 2, 2020
Extremamente superestimado. Essa nota alta reflete que o filme é consumido por um grupo restrito de pessoas que já está predisposta a gostar de filmes pouco convencionais. Porque, se o público geral fosse avaliar, ele teria uma notaExtremamente superestimado. Essa nota alta reflete que o filme é consumido por um grupo restrito de pessoas que já está predisposta a gostar de filmes pouco convencionais. Porque, se o público geral fosse avaliar, ele teria uma nota baixíssima. Odiei a experiência, mesmo sendo alguém que gosta de filmes alternativos. Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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3
TheFrogJun 8, 2021
This movie managed to leave me bored and disgusted at the same time. Corporeal fluid and gases abound, and don't seem to serve any other purpose than to delve into sordid territory. As for the story, for me it utterly fails to convey anyThis movie managed to leave me bored and disgusted at the same time. Corporeal fluid and gases abound, and don't seem to serve any other purpose than to delve into sordid territory. As for the story, for me it utterly fails to convey any higher meaning. It's not a journey into madness, not a supernatural thriller, I would be hard pressed to say what it *is*. More than anything, it seemed like a jumbled mess of discomforting moments, so much so that I just couldn't wait to see the end titles roll. But does it go anywhere? Nope. Expand
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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3
KenRJan 8, 2020
Having a love of all things set around the sea and classic navigational aids, it was essential to see ‘The Lighthouse’ - not so sure it was a good idea though. It’s a movie to make you feel both sickened and exhausted. The exhaustion is notHaving a love of all things set around the sea and classic navigational aids, it was essential to see ‘The Lighthouse’ - not so sure it was a good idea though. It’s a movie to make you feel both sickened and exhausted. The exhaustion is not so much from watching the harrowing events but from forcing yourself to last the distance. Great movies have been made with thought-provoking prose telling of highly strained relationships; O’Neil’s Long Day’s Journey Into Night, Mourning becomes Elektra, Melville’s Moby Dick, along with several similar writings by Edgar Allen Poe, being just a few. This grotesque, gothic horror yarn borrows from just about all of these in an attempt to bring to life its relentless assault on the hapless viewer’s senses. The end result may prove to please the horror aficionados or audiences with sadeo-masochistic tendencies. It pounds you over the head with an endless barrage of perverse abuse and vulgarity, till you want to reach for the remote to escape or move on in double speed. This sort of theme, in the past, would have been made as an effective 50min experimental featurette (BFI or CNFB style) As is, the endless morbid visual and sound scapes, tend to weigh you down to the point of wanting to walk out. The two performers are hard-working but a good movie needs more than slick acting to be enjoyable. I’m OK with the use of beautiful, moody, well lit Black and White cinematography but don’t see the advantage of shooting in an odd variation of the old 4 x 3 mode, as it added little or nothing. Also, with appearing to be set in the late 1800s early 1900s, these constructions would have been relatively newish and were quite well maintained but this set, looks so severely neglected as to be more like an untouched, 200 yr old museum piece. Lastly, lugging heavy ‘steel’ barrels up a Spiral Staircase...step by step, single-handed, when you have a pulley system outside seemed odd (?) Strictly for ‘arty’ self-abusers and the Awards crowd. Expand
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
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3
HannibalBFeb 23, 2020
The makers of this mess of a film throw in a lot of things to suggest that it has a deep meaning, but that meaning has to be supplied by the viewer, because the writers didn't know what they were doing. The Lighthouse begins well but when theThe makers of this mess of a film throw in a lot of things to suggest that it has a deep meaning, but that meaning has to be supplied by the viewer, because the writers didn't know what they were doing. The Lighthouse begins well but when the wind changes about halfway through, it devolves into chaos. The story wanders, the characters become inconsistant and their motivations obscur. The actors are not at fault: their performances are excellent, but they're working with confused and unfinished material. What is really going on in this tale? Is Thomas Howard cursed? Is he mad? Is Defoe's character the mad one? Are the avian souls of the dead sailors offended? Are the supernatural entities real? Is the scrimshaw figure cursed. Do these two just drink too much? Is everything brought together by some grand Promethean theme? Is Cthulhu lurking in the cold vastness of space? I don't know, and neither does anybody else, including the writers. Rationalize this any way you want, and you'll be right. This is the J.J. Abrams school of film, nested in arty cinematography and compelling performances: throw a lot of shocking visual elements at the viewer so that he won't try to make sense of the story. But who can care about any of this? There is no sense that the plot is building towards anything or that there is any unifying theme or idea. So, despite all the frantic action and pseudo-sibylline ranting, this movie is a big bore. Expand
5 of 6 users found this helpful51
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3
MikeK-123Oct 28, 2019
This movie had some terriffic acting, but it was a long journey into frustration as a viewer. I wished I'd walked-out. Seriously. Each scene was engrossing, but strung together they added to nothing. Nothing! I mean, when it ended one felt aThis movie had some terriffic acting, but it was a long journey into frustration as a viewer. I wished I'd walked-out. Seriously. Each scene was engrossing, but strung together they added to nothing. Nothing! I mean, when it ended one felt a sense of confusion, horror and uncertainty. Did we witness schizophrenia? Were they both nuts or were we watching madness through the eyes of one of the two? It couldn't be resolved even after days of reflexion. I'm not alone in this sense of frustration after watching this movie since my friend felt the same way. Remarkably, we both wondered how this movie got such glowing reviews on MetaCritic. Expand
4 of 9 users found this helpful45
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2
zmgalen2000Dec 28, 2019
The artistic visuals and mis en scene established by The Lighthouse are washed away in what feels like blatant Oscar-bait. With an advanced-vocabulary-laced screenplay and overly confounding semiotics, The Lighthouse circumvents the presenceThe artistic visuals and mis en scene established by The Lighthouse are washed away in what feels like blatant Oscar-bait. With an advanced-vocabulary-laced screenplay and overly confounding semiotics, The Lighthouse circumvents the presence of a remotely clear plotline in favor of shoving ambiguity at its audience in what, honestly, feels voyeuristic. A journey filled with unintelligible dialogue and obscure images (whose signification can be interpreted quite literally or quite extremely with no middle ground), The Lighthouse is one of A24's less poignant works, appearing to be aimed at the pretentious film lover who lacks the take-it-as-you-see-it realist outlook. Expand
2 of 6 users found this helpful24
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2
Parad1seSep 12, 2021
This is one of the worst movies ever seen! It didn't make much sense most of the time. There was no story line. It was well acted, but we had to watch it in two sessions because we got bored. We had to watch it to the end just to see if weThis is one of the worst movies ever seen! It didn't make much sense most of the time. There was no story line. It was well acted, but we had to watch it in two sessions because we got bored. We had to watch it to the end just to see if we could make sense of it. Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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1
DavidAkivaOct 26, 2019
Pretentious, repetitive and not as scary as it thinks it is. The camerawork was impressive, but it called attention to itself.
6 of 13 users found this helpful67
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1
xenophon2019Nov 6, 2019
Perhaps one of the worst movies ever made. Pointless,depressing and with a vague ending. Don't waste your time. It would be better to be lost at sea than to waste time watching this mess.
4 of 9 users found this helpful45
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1
breeseDec 11, 2019
No story, no set-up, no reason to care for the characters or stay in your seat on this dragging yawn of a journey full of juvenile bathroom humor and ear-grating sound. Yes, there's good cinematography, but film is not a photography show.No story, no set-up, no reason to care for the characters or stay in your seat on this dragging yawn of a journey full of juvenile bathroom humor and ear-grating sound. Yes, there's good cinematography, but film is not a photography show. Acting is good but why am I watching this again? Expand
3 of 7 users found this helpful34
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1
Catface1Jan 13, 2020
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Piece of crap, waste of time. A tale of a nightmare boss, tormenting a simpleton. Expand
1 of 4 users found this helpful13
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0
CharlieSGJan 28, 2020
An attempt at creating a film, not really a movie, just a film with interesting visuals and really strong acting. That being said, it don't get no worse than this - no matter how you look at it! Intellectualizing something like this wasteAn attempt at creating a film, not really a movie, just a film with interesting visuals and really strong acting. That being said, it don't get no worse than this - no matter how you look at it! Intellectualizing something like this waste of time is just very sad commentary on how few really good films exist today. Seeing this at least give you a nice comparison to something really good out right now, like The Joker or Little Women. Expand
2 of 7 users found this helpful25
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0
TribbleNov 2, 2019
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The antithesis to a chick flick. 2 men drinking, masturbating, fantasizing about sex with a mermaid, and going crazy.... Expand
4 of 8 users found this helpful44
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0
JamesdyoDec 7, 2019
Worst movie of the year. It's a pretentious black and white grainy art house movie with Mermaid sex and a hodgepodge if other weird stuff all thrown together but it doesn't stick. Should have been 20 minutes
5 of 11 users found this helpful56
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0
Leandro_CamposJan 3, 2020
I don't know what happens in the head of the people who give this **** a good review. I think for some people, good movie is a boring and bizarre thing but because it "sounds intelligent and cult" it must be good. Don't waste your time withI don't know what happens in the head of the people who give this **** a good review. I think for some people, good movie is a boring and bizarre thing but because it "sounds intelligent and cult" it must be good. Don't waste your time with this...don't waste your time with Eggers. Expand
4 of 11 users found this helpful47
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0
RjrJan 12, 2020
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Possibly the worse movie I’ve seen in a while. I didn’t even understand why Robert Pattinson didn’t leave right away. Possibly gay? So what! The movie sucked. They both deserved to die. What a waste of my time, and yours-so be forewarned. Expand
3 of 12 users found this helpful39
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0
BchappeMay 14, 2020
Total waste of time. The film's only redeeming quality is that it's not 3.5 hours long
1 of 8 users found this helpful17
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0
mustafa811Aug 20, 2021
bizarre and pretentious movie in black and white with 4:3 screen ratio , just don't , it is not for entertainment
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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0
MadhupFeb 6, 2021
The director needs to fight off the hands. How can you film such an abomination????? I didn't finish watching this movie. What is the moral in it??
Режиссёру нужно отбить руки. Как можно снимать такую мерзость????? Я не стал досматривать этот
The director needs to fight off the hands. How can you film such an abomination????? I didn't finish watching this movie. What is the moral in it??
Режиссёру нужно отбить руки. Как можно снимать такую мерзость????? Я не стал досматривать этот фильм. Какая в нём мораль??
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0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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