Caddo Lake, 2024.
Written and Directed by Logan George and Celine Held.
Starring Dylan O’Brien, Eliza Scanlen, Lauren Ambrose, Eric Lange, Sam Hennings, Diana Hopper, Lance E. Nichols, Nina Leon, David Maldonado, Kim Baptiste, Jody Sellers, Greysen Conley, Jules Hilillo Fernandez, Larry S. White, Zedrick Tinsley, and A.C. Cooper.
SYNOPSIS:
When an 8-year-old girl disappears on Caddo Lake, a series of past deaths and disappearances begin to link together, altering a broken family’s history.
There is no disputing that Caddo Lake is one of those films that slowly eliminates characterization in favor of increasingly absurd plot reveals, which typically becomes a nuisance. However, the writing/directing team of Logan George and Celine Held have crafted something so inspired and loopy that it maintains a captivating hold, especially since the lead performances from Dylan O’Brien and Eliza Scanlen convincingly sell utter confusion and sincere emotion from the implications of their nutty discoveries. It’s also worth pointing out that the notoriously twisty M. Night Shyamalan is a producer here, which is fitting since this film evokes that sense of unapologetic craziness without forcing it.
This film slowly builds to its supernatural reveal, allowing viewers to get a feel for the characters before anything, only to transform into an off-the-rail 45-minute climax of revelations. As for what that supernatural element is, it can’t be said. Max has issued a strict spoiler mandate on reviews, but what can be mentioned is that plot developments get so insane that one of those spoiler notes is an equally ridiculous clarification on a particular aspect that, I suppose, could be taken a certain disgusting way if one’s mind is perpetually in the gutter. The point is that this story is as batshit insane as advertised, effectively executing those twists and turns and shifts in subgenre while keeping the proceedings grounded in something human, no matter how outlandish what’s happening becomes. That’s also something M. Night Shyamalan would benefit from remembering.
Following two separate groups of characters (who are obviously on some sort of collision path) existing within the titular Caddo Lake (apparently a real place, which is hilarious to think about and plan a vacation to once the film is over), Paris (Dylan O’Brien) is still grieving the loss of his mother from a bizarre, unclear car accident that he feels partly responsible for. She also suffered from seizures throughout her life, which may or may not be important to the plot. Nevertheless, he has pushed everyone he loves away and doesn’t seem interested in reconnecting with his former flame, Cee (Diana Hopper), brushing off his father’s (Sam Hennings) wishes to mingle again and reintegrate into social circles.
Then there is a dysfunctional family, with rebellious teenage daughter Ellie (Eliza Scanlen) always at her mother’s (Lauren Ambrose) throat (Iraqi childhood and a missing father, among other things causing turmoil) and eager to escape off to college as soon as possible. She has run away from home, staying with a friend, only coming back occasionally out of love for her stepsister Anna (Caroline Falk), who looks up to her even if she wishes everyone would stop fighting. Anna’s father, Daniel (Eric Lange), is mostly unsuccessful at keeping the peace.
Suddenly, Anna disappears, which causes the town to sweep the area, looking for anything pointing to her whereabouts. Naturally, Ellie is also involved while ignoring rules and safety hazards (dangerously low water levels make traveling around difficult), and she is determined to find her stepsister. There are also aerial shots conveying just how large and oddly structured this location is, broken up into various smaller areas and narrow bodies of water. Meanwhile, while working in the water, Paris discovers a keepsake from Anna given to her by Ellie, which prompts more questions.
I was admittedly shocked by each reveal, but I also felt something throughout the responses and reactions from these characters. Eliza Scanlen has a scene researching something in a computer library, with each subsequent detail adding to the emotional impact that her facial expressions authentically convey. It’s wacky yet weirdly heartwarming and a defining moment proving that more than ludicrous story beats are happening here.
While this might sound like a dark and gritty true crime story, it is anything but that. It is set in an ominous environment with a supernatural twist, shattering expectations while also playing into grief, loss, and family themes. Yes, Caddo Lake is a twist machine that will unquestionably leave viewers asking questions even though what is happening becomes relatively clear. There is also some terrifically nuanced acting and a real emotional undercurrent that elevates it beyond gonzo entertainment.
Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★
Robert Kojder is a member of the Chicago Film Critics Association and the Critics Choice Association. He is also the Flickering Myth Reviews Editor. Check here for new reviews, follow my Twitter or Letterboxd, or email me at MetalGearSolid719@gmail.com
