Despite being a modestly shot, small-scale production, in many ways, The Lodger succeeds in telling a thrillingly tense tale, led by duelling magnetically charged performances reflecting two women entangled in a love affair, wrestling for the lingering affections of a deceased partner.
In terms of sheer fear factor, The Lodger may prefer to provoke imaginations rather than outright attempt to scare. Still, the sense of nerve-shredding tension shared between its central cast, and a series of eerily creepy mannequin scenes should be sufficiently chilling enough to generate a few worthwhile goosebumps. Not least so for fans of supernatural suspense.
If you find yourself seeking frights, then the star attraction is, of course, the mannequin. Yet despite some sharply delivered chills, the horror leans more on the psychologically suggestive side than visually frightening. Which may ultimately leave some horror fans wanting more. Still, an unpredictable splattering of jumps scares helps keep the suspense alive.
That said, there are some unexpected frights sure to outwit even the most discerning horror aficionados. Many of which manifest via unsettlingly intrusive camera shots, making clever use of the dummy's creepy inanimate nature, especially when suddenly springing to life. More than once, this generated a few thought-provoking chills.
Despite the mannequin's eerie appearance, much of the horror stems from the spiraling relationship playing out between both women. While competing for the affections of the mannequin, a palpable air of hostility brews between them, boiling up to a sufficiently violent summary for horror fans at the film's closing chapter.
A Twisted Love Triangle
The story follows a widow, unable to relinquish the past and struggling to accept the tragic death of her recently deceased husband. Seemingly stuck in a state of morning, she conducts her daily life as if he had never left. Somewhat tragically replacing his physical body with an inanimate mannequin made in his image.
Her Lodger Julie, a fresh-spirited, soulful, and aspiring college graduate, is eager to start university in Bordeaux and decides to take up the offer of affordable countryside accommodation.
Now sharing the house with a lonely widow, played in delightfully eccentric, sporadically unhinged style by Jacqueline Bisset, Julie begins to experience strange phenomena, and a connection between her and the mannequin seemingly materializes much to the searing jealously of the widow.
A Provocative, Psychologically-chilling Portrayal of Loss
Deep down beneath its plastic complexion lies a powerful allegory portraying the lingering effects of loss and a longing to reconnect. Expect a thrillingly provocative chiller, commanded by two captivating performances, and a sprinkling of well-executed scares just about strong enough to satisfy chill-seekers.
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