SXSW 2017

Lake Bodom

2016 • Horror • 90 minutes • 1,326 ratings • 290 reviews

Directed by Taneli Mustonen

Starring Santeri Helinheimo, Nelly Hirst-Gee, Mimosa Willamo, Mikael Gabriel and Santeri Helinheimo Mäntylä

Every camper’s worst nightmare came true at Lake Bodom in 1960 when four teenagers were stabbed to death while sleeping in their tent. As the years passed and the case grew cold, the unsolved mystery turned into an urban legend, a creepy campfire story passed from generation to generation. Now, a group of teenagers arrives at the same campsite, hoping to solve the murder by reconstructing it minute by minute. As night falls, it turns out that not all of them are there to play. Tonight… it’s girls against boys. Let the killing games begin.

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  • ★★★½ review by <Todd> on Letterboxd

    "If you really love me then tell me?" -Ida,

    - Daily Horror Hunt #5 (Nov '18): boxd.it/2908Q

    Day Eight: Scandinavian Horror

    Well Lake Bodom I certainly like you. Love is such a strong word you know?

    In this Finnish slasher film, a group of four teenagers go to Lake Bodom, 40 years earlier the sight of Finland's most notorious unsolved murder event. While there, the four end up in a bizarre slasher plot with lots of twists and turns. The movie is upfront that the film is loosely based on one theory of the real life Lake Bodom murders so it's not trying to be something deeper than it is. The performances here are fun, and I really liked the score. There is a little bit of 80s throwback but not enough to annoy people that are over that. Great script and a fun concept so I definitely recommend if you're cool with subtitles. Oh..

    BEST IDEA EVER: Have Patrick Brice direct an American remake of this

    WORST IDEA EVER: Have Eli Roth direct and American remake of this

  • ★★★½ review by Marianna Neal on Letterboxd

    A surprisingly solid slasher! Loved the setting and the filming style, the acting is good as well, and I have to give Lake Bodom credit for trying to put an interesting spin on slasher tropes. That being said, the last act of the film feels rushed (the movie is only 1hr 25min), and doesn't really get enough room to have an impact. I don't want to get into spoilers, but some of the twists and turns in this film work while others seem like a stretch. Still, if you're a horror fan and are looking for a well-made summer slasher, I would recommend checking this one out.

  • ★★★★ review by Chris Genro on Letterboxd

    A stylish and really well shot slasher/thriller from Finland that has some really incredible moments. The thing that hurts it somewhat is (I'm being vague here) the constant shifts in the story which makes it difficult to engage with our protagonists. The first two acts I was really not that impressed with the film but when we hit that final act that's when things really get going and it really redeemed it for me. There's definitely some of the classic slasher cliches being used here but I think it changes things up enough to really stand out from the crowd. 4/5 stars.

  • ★★★★ review by coles84 on Letterboxd

    Scavenger Hunt 35/Film 17/A film that was shown at 2017 sxsw 

    Talk about twists! This fine film from Finland displays more shocks and intrigue than most films I have seen lately. It’s original, unique and interesting. Go in to this film without knowing much and you will be in for a really great experience. The acting is good, the direction is and the cinematography is beautiful at times. The writing is what stands out the most though and makes the film feel totally unpredictable. Think Harper’s Island condensed and you may get close to this film.

  • ★★★★ review by James Peter Cox on Letterboxd

    Now thats its streaming on Shudder, hopefully this teens in the woods,( non-cabin) smarter than your average slasher will find an audience!!!

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