Caddo Lake

Rare is the movie that motivates me to see it again right away to understand what I had just watched. Caddo Lake is such a case. In the first viewing, I ended up totally confused, but with some understanding of what was going on from the last part of the movie. So I decided to watch it again an hour later to understand the whole story, and then every scene from the start made sense within the film plot.

The twists and turns of this movie make you pay attention to every detail throughout the hour and a half of its duration, which is not common in movies nowadays. So kudos to the two screenwriters and directors.

Honestly, I haven't felt like this about a movie in a long time. The cinematography is gorgeous, scenery is beautiful and the characters are quite captivating and interesting. I wish movies like these would go out on big screens and not on streaming platforms. Still, that doesn't take away the artistry from it.

All of the actors were amazing, the casting is brilliant. It build up slowly which I liked because the atmosphere of it was wonderful. Without spoiling anything or without even writing what is it about, I think its a very well made mystery movie with great story and plot twists.

All in all, interesting and beautiful.

I went into this knowing nothing about this movie, except the genre. I am glad that that was the case! I had no expectations and was able to just let the plot unfold and experience the discovery right along with the protagonists. I really enjoyed it. If it's not too late, I'd recommend not reading the plot summary or any detailed reviews before watching.

It starts out feeling a bit like a family drama but pay attention because sprinkled throughout are little plot supporting elements. You might even reach a point where you'll be wondering just what in the world is going on. Don't worry... it's all explained fairly neatly before it's done. Just hang in there!

Well it's obvious that the makers of Caddo Lake were inspired by the excellent German series Dark. Nothing wrong with that but to me it looked a bit like a déjà-vu. I still enjoyed watching it though. There is a good mysterious vibe to it and that keeps you interested in the story. But like the series Dark it's also very difficult to understand, you'll have to think deeply about it and then certain things might not look plausible or making sense. The acting was good, better than average, and so was the cinematography. All in all an interesting movie but if you look for something longer and better the German show is what you want.

Once you figure out what's going on, the story itself after the fact isn't exactly groundbreaking. However, the way they pull it off is pretty impressive. I don't think people consider enough the degree of coordination that's required to apply pacing and tone in any given film, especially when you throw in special effects and lighting potentially dependent on time of day. This movie does all of it pretty flawlessly, and creates an almost tactile momentum that carries you through. While I wasn't surprised it ended when it did, not once was I looking for it or had it in mind until it was over. That's usually a clear mark of competence for storytelling. The final scene did feel a bit empty, though, for reasons I can't quite explain. Maybe a clearer angle of a final, knowing look from Celeste would have remedied this, but that's just a stray thought, not genuine criticism.

Acting was spot on for everyone involved. Dylan O'Brien is something of a standout. I've seen his work before but this one really let him shine. Lauren Ambrose also completely sells the manic/distressed persona and just became this person. Eliza Scanlen not once failed to sell me what was happening on-screen. Talents like these make it so much easier to lose yourself in whatever is being shown and it's always appreciated.

Great watch. Adept filmmakers on display and I'm here for it.