"Eden Lake" is one of those really pleasant surprises that keep me watching movies. Just when you start to think they just can't do the horror thing right any more, this gem from England comes along to show you it can still be done and done very well. The framework of the story matches a lot of classic horror films: A young couple goes out to the lake to have a romantic weekend getaway. Their peace and tranquility is shattered by a rude group of young thugs who are hanging out at the beach one day. When the boyfriend (Michael Fassbender) confronts them and asks for some quiet, the couple become the targets of this gang and a weekend of pursuit and agony begins. It is interesting to watch as the girl's dress slowly becomes as black as Bruce Willis' "white" T-shirt in "Die Hard". The film was very well-made with good, believable acting by the couple and the group of thugs, who find themselves getting deeper and deeper into a web of horror that transcends the normal bullying they are probably used to. You get a good look at the mentality of gangs, where a psychotic leader can bring them down to his level before they even realize it is happening. Although I am sure there are bits and pieces you can point to as unbelievable or just stupid on the characters' parts, the movie comes off as completely realistic. While it is a very little known film (I'm not even sure how I stumbled upon it), it is a must for horror fans.Grade: B+
Trailer:
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