Blackwater Lane

Blackwater Lane attempts to deliver a suspenseful mystery, centering around a woman who, on her way back to the grand mansion she shares with her husband, witnesses what appears to be a murder. As unsettling events begin to escalate, she grows convinced that she could be the killer's next target. Yet the film keeps the audience questioning the reality of her fears. Her frequent panic attacks, coupled with her husband's repeated denials of what she claims to see, create an atmosphere of uncertainty-though his dismissive behavior itself feels suspicious.

The film introduces several other characters who act irrationally or suspiciously, setting up a classic whodunit. Unfortunately, the story feels too familiar, with a plot we've seen countless times. Its execution lacks the polish needed to elevate the genre, weighed down by logical inconsistencies and flaws that weaken the narrative. Some of the acting also misses the mark, adding to the film's shortcomings.

Ultimately, there's little in Blackwater Lane to make it memorable. It settles into being a below-average mystery thriller with only mild horror elements. [4.7/10]

It's not a spoiler, I'm just doing you are favor, it's not horror, there's nothing scary, there are no jump scares or idiotic CGI.

It's a mystery movie and it could be suspenseful, but not the white knuckles type. More like the brainy kind.

At one point it seems like a Scooby Doo episode but longer, way longer and not as silly.

It's not convoluted or twisted as the Agatha Christie novels and if you are into this genre you might even guess the end.

I gave it a 7 because it is intriguing and entertaining, beautiful to look at, and well acted... although I would go easier on the forehead Botox (sometimes I couldn't figure out if she was laughing or crying).

This movie plot might have been good if it had been crafted better. It had a lot of good elements, but the pieces just did not fit together in a plausible way and convincing manner.

Many inconsistencies and some stupid liberties were taken during the making of this movie.

Minka Kelly is an absolutely gorgeous woman, but her role was severely flawed. However, I quite enjoyed watching her, even though the realism was badly impaired.

Even worse than the spooky nonsense was the lame love plot. Also, there was a murder for no particularly good reason.

In general, the character motivations were very poorly played.

The script was bad, the direction was substandard, and the dialog was unconvincing.

Other than that, the production quality was reasonably good.

Cass (Minka Kelly) is driving home in a stormy night down the isolated Blackwater Lane. She sees a car parked on the side of the road, but she does not stop for the distressed female driver. The lady is later found murdered. She starts encountering disturbing visions, but her husband Matthew (Dermot Mulroney) insists that it's all in her head. She had suffered mental issues following her mother's death. Rachel (Maggie Grace) is her friend. DC Lawson (Natalie Simpson) is investigating the murder.

First of all, she should never stop in that situation. There is no shame in that. If it's sunny daylight and nobody else is around, then it would be a bit callous. Somehow, these three American actors got stuck in a bland British murder mystery ghost story. The story has only a few possible explanations and I never really cared that much about which one. It does a poor job with one path while it pushes too hard on another path. I am fine with the ultimate reveal, but it's not done well. The last act is a mess.

I HIGHLY suggest you read the book 'The Breakdown' by B. A. Paris. This movie was made off of that book. And when I say the book is SO SO SO much better, it truly is!

I'm so disappointed in this film. It left so many things out that made you wonder where the heck they came up with some things. So many holes in the plot!

I was so excited to see that this book was made into a film bc B. A. Paris is my favorite author. Now I'm just embarrassed for her at what they did to her incredible book. I couldn't put her book down. This film...? I was bored and disappointed. PLEASE read her book instead of watching this film!!! You won't be disappointed!!