Film Review - Little Bone Lodge (2023)

Here is an ambitiously well acted movie with more than a fair share of soaring tension within mashed genres, full of justified brutality and heightened dramatics.

Beginning with a flurry under a thunderous storm, there’s furious banging on the front door of an isolated mansion as the inhabitants Mama (Joely Richardson) Maisy (Sadie Soverall) and Pa (Roger Ajogbe) are alarmed by what they see outside.

Two blood-soaked men, one unconscious whilst his mate, very much conscious, is in panic mode demanding assistance medically. After the injured one awakes, they are quite obviously criminals hiding something.

With zero phone reception, or an actual phone inside the house, wild, woolly conditions make detachment from an outside world evident, potentially for a reason!

This is where a set of compelling performances kick in, unusual sleight of hand subtle moments form all involved build, build more, then spontaneously combust when you least expect it. The story goes one way then another and maybe another, but no spoilers here.

Little Bone Lodge, a crime thriller with a difference. Strange things begin to surface, focussed directing through superior storytelling by Matthias Hoene (Cockneys vs Zombies, 2012). He maintains mystery as explanations of characters actions are not quite what they seem.

Joely Richardson is perfect; an unusual revolting role digging her own grave theoretically speaking having the tables turned, reminiscent of her multilayered performance in brilliant Event Horizon (1997).

Soon to be seen alongside Nicolas Cage in science fiction opus Arcadia, standout in this mood filled insanity is newcomer Sadie Soverall, watch her stares of confusion as the truth unravels for Maisy.

It’s just part of her raw talent on show. Writer and star Neil Linpow as intruder Jack, also superb.

Must see modern British indie; from crime story to shocking suspense, to family ethics, this has it all.