"Bone Lake" rises above it's cliches

Director Mercedes Bryce Morgan explores the dark side of renting an Airbnb in her new film “Bone Lake,” released by Bleecker Street. Joshua Friedlander penned the screenplay.

The story follows Sage (Maddie Hasson) and Diego (Marco Pigossi) as their romantic getaway to the secluded Bone Lake takes an unexpected turn when they are forced to share a mansion with a mysterious and alluring couple, Will (Alex Roe) and Cin (Andra Nechita). As tensions escalate, the retreat devolves into a web of deception, desire, and manipulation, gradually revealing long-buried secrets.

“Bone Lake” opens with a nude couple being chased through the woods by unseen assailants who meet a grisly end. We later learn that aspiring author Diego is telling a story to Sage. When the couple arrives at the lake and shares an intimate moment, they are shocked when Will and Cin show up. While Will and Cin exhibit a carefree attitude, Sage and Diego eventually decide to stay together and make the best of the situation.

Every so often, a horror film emerges that’s best enjoyed with little prior knowledge, so in that regard, I will keep my review brief. I will say that, in one regard, “Bone Lake” could have been a throwback to a mid-nineties Cinemax flick, and initially, it seems like that’s the direction the film will take. However, the director has a few more tricks up her sleeve. One of the film’s strengths is that it operates as a sort of chamber piece, featuring only four actors.

Maddie Hasson and Marco Pigossi are two actors I wasn’t very familiar with, which allowed me to become fully invested in their characters’ arcs. Whether they are discussing sex or trying to survive, the two share an organic chemistry that benefits the film. Alex Roe goes somewhat against type, having a grand time portraying a tech bro who is also a bit of a douche, sprinkled with a hint of alpha male attitude. Similarly, Andra Nechita brings the right amount of sex appeal to her character, Cin.

While “Bone Lake” isn’t the first horror film about Airbnbs, nor will it be the last, it offers enough intrigue for a one-time watch.

Final Grade: B

“Bone Lake” is in theaters now.