When Love Meets Fear: A Chilling Weekend Getaway

Liz and Malcolm, a couple trying to make their relationship work, decide to spend a weekend at Malcolm's family cabin. Liz, usually quick to bolt from relationships, seems hopeful about this one. She thinks she knows Malcolm well, and their early interactions are comfortable, even if a bit awkward. Malcolm has a slight accent and mentions a creepy cousin living nearby, but nothing seems too alarming. The director, Osgood Perkins, uses clever camera angles to create unease. Liz and Malcolm's faces are often partially hidden or framed in disconcerting ways. Liz starts hearing strange noises through the house's vents and feels like she's on a bad trip. She calls a friend, who jokes about mushrooms, but Liz doesn't confirm or deny anything. Keeper, named for Liz's role as the woman in Malcolm's life, keeps viewers guessing. Is it a ghost story, a slasher film, or just a bad trip? Perkins, known for his varied horror films, makes it hard to tell. The movie focuses on creating a visceral experience rather than fitting into a modern relationship parable. Tatiana Maslany plays Liz with a directness that makes her relatable. She's not one of those horror heroines who ignores obvious dangers. Maslany's performance adds depth to Liz, showing her cynicism and irritation in subtle ways. The character feels complete, even without a clear backstory. Keeper isn't as rich or ambitious as some other horror films, but it's satisfying and complete. It doesn't feel like it needs a sequel. The movie's themes about relationships are subtle but effective, showing that sometimes a simple horror story can say a lot about love and fear.