Tales from the Lodge is another recent British horror. It’s the twenty-third movie in our challenge. However, it’s the twenty-fourth thing I’ve watched as Midnight Mass, a limited Netflix series, was part of the challenge yesterday.
Abigail Blackmore writes and directors Tales from the Lodge. Well, she directs the actual action in the movie. Directing the tales within the movie are the actors who are telling the story.
It stars Johnny Vegas, Mackenzie Crook, Laura Fraser, Kelly Wenham and Sophie Thompson.
Tales from the Lodge sees a group of middle-aged friends coming together to honor their fallen friend. Three years ago their friend drowned in the lake next to the lodge and they’re finally getting around to scattering the ashes. Between this, each character takes their turn to tell a spooky scary.
Yet, as they tell their stories something far sinister is waiting. Something that has no business being in horror movies anymore, and is a dangerous trope.
If Tales from the Lodge‘s main focus was on the stories, the movie would be better for it. Those were the moments that actually shine. Unfortunately, the character’s outwith are one-note. It’s a shame for me to say this considering the number of British actors in it who are great in what they do.
They’re wasted within this cliché horror show. The movie’s twist is something I won’t go into detail about, but it’s certainly something that’s left a bad taste in my mouth.
The movie isn’t going to be for everyone. Some people will be able to look past certain aspects and enjoy them. As for me, I like the actors. Whenever Johnny Vegas is on screen, I know there’ll be laughs. Seeing Mackenzie Crook in a more serious role is alien to me and he was good with it.
Tales from the Lodge suffers from a weak script and a dangerous trope that needs to be in the past.
