A chilling new horror film, simply titledKeeper, has arrived in cinemas, already sparking intense debate and drawing praise from masters of the genre.
Director Osgood Perkins, known for crafting deeply unsettling experiences in films likeLonglegsandThe Blackcoat’s Daughter, delivers a story that burrows under the skin.Keeperfollows Liz, portrayed by Tatiana Maslany, as a seemingly idyllic anniversary trip with her boyfriend Malcolm to a secluded cabin begins to unravel.
The remote setting quickly becomes a breeding ground for dread, as Liz encounters increasingly disturbing phenomena, forcing her to confront the cabin’s hidden and sinister history. It’s a descent into psychological horror, meticulously constructed to unnerve.
The film has captivated some of the most respected names in horror. Bong Joon Ho, the visionary behindParasite, lauded Perkins’ “natural talent for discomfort that transforms into fear.”
The accolades continue from genre giants. Fede Alvarez, director ofEvil DeadandAlien Romulus, describedKeeperas “a sensory experience of pure terror.” Eli Roth, known for his visceral style, likened it to the surreal world of David Lynch.
Guillermo del Toro, the celebrated creator ofFrankenstein, called it “horror origami that skillfully folds into itself,” while James Wan, ofSawfame, deemed it “a terrifying, ghostly descent into madness.” Even Hideo Kojima, the acclaimed video game designer, praised Perkins’ ability to blend “new fear and surprise.”
However, critical reception has been more divided. While many acknowledge the film’s atmospheric power and Maslany’s compelling performance, some find the narrative itself lacking substance. Current scores on Rotten Tomatoes reflect this split, landing at 65%.
Some critics noted the film’s strength lies in its visceral impact, prioritizing atmosphere over a conventional storyline. Others felt the narrative was too thin, despite Maslany’s strong lead performance, describing it as a “mood” rather than a fully realized story.
Despite the mixed reviews,Keeperis clearly a film that provokes a reaction, and Perkins is already looking ahead. His next project,The Young People, is already in production, promising another chilling experience.
The Young Peopleboasts an impressive cast, including Nicole Kidman, Heather Graham, and Johnny Knoxville, suggesting Perkins continues to attract top talent to his uniquely unsettling vision.
