Movie Review: The Lighthouse (2019)
Synopsis:
"The Lighthouse" is a psychological horror film directed by Robert Eggers, known for his meticulously crafted atmospheres and rich historical detail. Set in the late 19th century, the movie unfolds in an isolated lighthouse on a remote New England island, where two lightkeepers, Thomas Wake (Willem Dafoe) and Ephraim Winslow (Robert Pattinson), are tasked with maintaining the beacon. As they battle the relentless forces of nature and the increasingly oppressive isolation of their surroundings, tensions begin to mount between the two men.
The narrative is further complicated by surreal visions, maritime folklore, and the oppressive atmosphere of the lighthouse itself, drawing viewers into a claustrophobic world that blurs the lines between reality and madness. Thomas Wake, the older, experienced keeper, exudes authority and paranoia, while Ephraim Winslow, the younger newcomer, grapples with his own demons and secrets. As their time together extends, the dynamics shift dramatically, leading to a volatile relationship characterised by power struggles, psychological warfare, and primal instincts.
The film’s black-and-white cinematography enhances its haunting quality, plunging the audience into a world where light and shadow interplay with eerie precision. With a runtime of just over an hour and a half, "The Lighthouse" unfolds like a fever dream, filled with striking imagery and chilling performances that linger long after the credits roll.
Cast:
- Robert Pattinson as Ephraim Winslow
- Willem Dafoe as Thomas Wake
- Valeriia Karaman as a mermaid (uncredited)
Review:
From the outset, "The Lighthouse" demands the viewer’s attention with its audacious visual style and atmospheric tension. Eggers has a remarkable ability to infuse historical authenticity into his works, and here, he manages to pull the audience into a world that is as mesmerizing as it is nightmarish. The decision to shoot in black and white not only accentuates the starkness of the rocky landscape but also imbues the film with an ethereal quality reminiscent of early cinema.
The performances by both Dafoe and Pattinson are nothing short of exceptional. Dafoe’s portrayal of Wake is a masterclass in character work; he embodies the crusty, irascible character with fervent energy. His voice carries the gravitas of age and authority, yet it is imbued with a palpable unease that hints at the mental instability lurking beneath his surface. The grizzled lightkeeper’s monologues are peculiarly poetic, filled with maritime lore and unsettling anecdotes that root the film in its eerie atmosphere.
Conversely, Pattinson brings an intensity to Ephraim Winslow that is both raw and vulnerable. His descent into madness feels visceral, as he oscillates between existential dread and aggressive defiance. The character’s backstory, conveyed through flashbacks and dream-like sequences, reveals a man haunted by guilt and identity crisis. Each fascinating layer of Ephraim’s psyche is meticulously peeled back, showcasing Pattinson’s extraordinary range as an actor. The chemistry between the two leads, filled with both camaraderie and animosity, drives the film’s narrative arc, creating an unshakeable tension that simmers throughout.
The cinematography by Jarin Blaschke deserves particular mention for its striking visuals. The use of chiaroscuro, with deep shadows and stark whites, envelops the characters in an otherworldly luminosity that evokes both the beauty and the horror of their isolation. The operatic scale of the crashing waves against the imposing lighthouse calls to mind the existential struggle between man and nature—an ever-present motif that Eggers deftly explores. Each shot is meticulously composed, creating an atmospheric sense of dread that pulls viewers deeper into the narrative.
Moreover, the sound design in "The Lighthouse" is pivotal in amplifying its psychological tension. The haunting score composed by Mark Korven resonates with eerie, dissonant sounds that echo throughout the film, providing an unsettling backdrop to the madness that unfolds. The creaking of the lighthouse, the howling winds, and the relentless crashing of waves create a sensory experience that feels immersive—drawing audiences into the claustrophobic world of the two lightkeepers.
Eggers masterfully weaves themes of mythology and existentialism throughout the film. The mermaid motif, a recurrent symbol in the story, serves as a tantalising embodiment of desire, temptation, and the loss of sanity. Ephraim’s hallucinations manifest the internal struggles of guilt and longing, blurring the line between fantasy and reality. The use of dialogue is particularly striking; the men’s conversations oscillate between stilted and poetic, enhancing the inherent absurdity of their situation while providing a glimpse into their fractured psyches.
However, it is essential to note that "The Lighthouse" is not a conventional horror film in the classic sense. It thrives on atmosphere rather than typical jump scares; the dread it instils is more cerebral, asking audiences to reflect on broader themes of isolation and human nature. For some, this unconventional approach might feel alienating, distancing them from the narrative; yet, for others, it delivers a profound exploration of madness in isolation, culminating in a climax that is as cryptic as it is visceral.
The film’s pacing reflects its psychological intensity—it lingers in moments of tormented silence and lengthy monologues that are both immersive and claustrophobic. At times, this deliberate pacing may test the patience of viewers seeking a more traditional narrative or faster-paced storytelling. Nonetheless, Eggers artfully utilises each moment to build tension and unease, drawing viewers into the suffocating atmosphere that permeates the film.
In conclusion, "The Lighthouse" stands as a significant entry in contemporary psychological horror, showcasing Robert Eggers as a formidable storyteller. With its remarkable performances, striking visuals, and a gripping atmosphere, the film is a visceral exploration of madness, mythology, and the human condition. Dafoe and Pattinson deliver powerhouse performances that anchor this meticulously crafted tale of isolation and psychosis.
For its artistic ambition and haunting execution, "The Lighthouse" earns a formidable score of 9 out of 10. It is a bold, audacious work that challenges conventions while delivering a chilling, unforgettable experience that will linger in the mind long after the credits roll. It invites viewers to confront the depths of their own psyches in an insidious, unforgiving landscape where the line between sanity and madness is but a flickering light away.
