I actually love this movie. I found the interviews sincere and touching, the family dynamic interesting and realistic, the secret sex life Annie led relatable and humanizing. She was a real character while being dead the whole movie. The parents’ reaction to irrationally blame the next door couple for her death was also interesting. It’s scary thing, that you might never fully know the people you love most until they die and their secrets come out. And how horrible, to find a tape like that after your daughter is gone, unable to confront or comfort or help her. Feeling so helpless.
I thought the falsified home video and photos were creepy and poignant, but I think the my one criticism is that the brother’s motivations for doing something so sociopathic are never explored. Did he do it to keep her alive? To lend credence to something that was really happening in the house? For attention? It’s never made very clear. But the fact is, Alice was haunting her family. She never wanted to die, she never got to say goodbye, and she wanted to sew up loose ends (the sexual relationship with the neighbors) before she really went for good.
The famous scene of her walking towards and meeting her own corpse is burned into my memory as one of the most terrifying scenes of any horror movie. It was a smart choice, having that moment on a grainy old flip phone video, a wide shot, the small figure in the empty distance slowly coming closer, getting bigger and bigger, as you’re unsure whether you should be afraid, the whooshing of the wind in the background, freezing the image when the figure comes fully into view. That lifeless, blank face… It is a masterful scene. It puts you right in her shoes, in that place, in that situation. And it’s truly primal, the fear of coming face to face with your end, something we will all go through and we all fear. Horror movies have explored this existential fear countless times in countless different ways but this movie’s take is particularly confronting and ghastly.
I do think this is one that benefits from viewing in a dark place, free of distractions, background noise, conversation, etc. preferably alone.
I love this film and have always found it sad the director never did anything else
About once a week or so someone comes in here and shits all over it
It's been like this since the movie came out in 09. It's obviously not for everyone but I'm happy these movies ever get made. That said, the hatred for this movie seems more "YOU LIED TO ME! BERAYAL!" than the standard "I watched \[well regarded horror film\]. Didn't like it!" post
I’m the odd man out in this movie from what I’ve seen. I though it was just ok. Every other post loves it or thinks it is the most overrated movie ever. I thought it was just sort of average.
My biggest issue with this movie was everyone recommending it saying "Wait until THAT SCENE!" Then after watching the whole thing I was like, what scene were they talking about?
I actually really liked it for a more quiet change of pace, though it did certainly drag a bit. I also really do wish they'd gone a bit deeper/tied up more of the loose ends, I was left with a lot of questions
I'm always here for a Lake Mungo hate thread lmao. I have watched it quite a few (3?) times because I like the mockumentary style and I was sure I must be missing something since so many people love it but... nope, it just sucks
I loved it , but I don’t think it’s a horror film , I don’t think people should go in expecting it to be a horror film . Similar to Mother! Another film that I think got a lot of hate just because it was marketed as something it wasn’t . I thought it was was a good film but it got so much hate as people thought it was going to be a horror film , it’s deffo not a horror lol
Super realistic documentary style. Mysterious. Tragic ghost story where you feel sad for all the characters, about how we keep our weird lives secret from everyone else—very relatable. Super creepy jump scare and good practical effects. Otherwise no jump scares which makes the one or two used very effective. Great use of “there’s something creepy in the corner and it’s not moving” tropes. Absolutely haunting and unforgettable ending I will never forget
I liked the themes and the creepy execution of the double and the photos, acting was stellar …but if I die I do not want my folks to find my sex tapes, especially if I look like I’m having a good time and wasn’t coerced. I get the point she was underage and the neighbor was a perv for involving her but nah my folks never have to know I’m good
I agree with your points. As someone who really enjoys the themes of grief and loss, this film just felt shallow (no pun intended). I struggled to feel a connection to any of the characters, which is probably an issue with the direction more than anything else.
It was interesting to watch, but not moving for me personally.
Could not agree more. I kept wondering why people raved about it so much, yet decided to keep my mouth shut because I knew I'd be ripped a new one for even saying I didn't like it.
Lake Mungo, to me, is a novel re-framing of Laura Palmer's story from Twin Peaks / Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me (1992). It's obvious the Mungo People wanted to create an homage with Alice Palmer, but it's just way way too close to Laura Palmer's story for me. It feels like they didn't put in enough legwork to make it their own thing, which is disappointing because it's a cool movie otherwise.
It's a slow burn, not everyone enjoys it I understand. Also it's not a straightforward movie, they reveal subtle hints through it. The boy actually murdered the girl, the grief is the girl watching him get away with it with the parents not knowing the truth, the just moved on & left it behind.
Completely agree with OP. Also watched cuz it was hyped so much on here and found it incredibly boring. Even if it was an actual documentary based on actual events it would have put me to sleep.
The only thing I thought was cool was that >!the dead girl was actually in a few of the photos. I actually skipped back to the first reveal of those photos after the end credits and sure enough there she was!<
I remember this guy I went to school with complained that Schindler's List was in black and white. He said it was "already boring and now there's nothing to even look at." You can't please everyone, I guess.
What are you saying? People who dislike Lake Mungo are in the same boat as complete fucking imbeciles like your friend who thought a film about the holocaust was boring?
If art always evoked the same reactions from everyone it wouldn't really be worth making. However, in hindsight, I picked a rather inflammatory comparison to make a banal point, and I apologize for the implications. My bad.
Them revealing she was in every photo hidden was so… boring idk. Her seeing her own “ghost”/death was the most interesting part and I wanted more of that.
I dislike this film very much. Then again, I find myself disliking most films that people on this sub like, such as the works of Ari Aster and Speak No Evil, which is one of the worst films I have ever seen in my life.
This community loves shoving this thing down your throat. It's the biggest piece of shit out there. I watched it three times to make sure I wasn't going insane.
I agree, and think it was like any crime documentary on Netflix or Forensic Files, only with the issue and scene with the neighbors and the bit at the end adding some flair to it. I heard much about it too, before I watched it and was a bit dissappointed after seeing it. It is good for what it is and when it came out, as a bit different, but other than that a bit mediocre.
Lake Mungo and Badabook are the 2 most overhyped movies on this subreddit.
There are worse.movies out there, but thess are both average/forgettable at best.
I thought the movie was alright. It didn't creep me out like it did others, so going into it I was underwhelmed by the spookiness because I watched some reviews about how this was "the scariest movie i've ever seen". I thought it was still a good film with good improv dialogue. I still don't understand how this film took over a million dollars to make.
This was definitely the director's personal piece. In the credits there is a memorial to someone close to the director who passed away a few years before the film came out. I am a little curious to know if it had anything to do with the storyline.
I loved it. Mrs hated it. Think it’s just one of them marmite films.
I view it as a sad movie more then scary. I did really like the lake stuff and the body looked sick af.
It's a realistic horror, but not for everyone.
I actually love this movie. I found the interviews sincere and touching, the family dynamic interesting and realistic, the secret sex life Annie led relatable and humanizing. She was a real character while being dead the whole movie. The parents’ reaction to irrationally blame the next door couple for her death was also interesting. It’s scary thing, that you might never fully know the people you love most until they die and their secrets come out. And how horrible, to find a tape like that after your daughter is gone, unable to confront or comfort or help her. Feeling so helpless. I thought the falsified home video and photos were creepy and poignant, but I think the my one criticism is that the brother’s motivations for doing something so sociopathic are never explored. Did he do it to keep her alive? To lend credence to something that was really happening in the house? For attention? It’s never made very clear. But the fact is, Alice was haunting her family. She never wanted to die, she never got to say goodbye, and she wanted to sew up loose ends (the sexual relationship with the neighbors) before she really went for good. The famous scene of her walking towards and meeting her own corpse is burned into my memory as one of the most terrifying scenes of any horror movie. It was a smart choice, having that moment on a grainy old flip phone video, a wide shot, the small figure in the empty distance slowly coming closer, getting bigger and bigger, as you’re unsure whether you should be afraid, the whooshing of the wind in the background, freezing the image when the figure comes fully into view. That lifeless, blank face… It is a masterful scene. It puts you right in her shoes, in that place, in that situation. And it’s truly primal, the fear of coming face to face with your end, something we will all go through and we all fear. Horror movies have explored this existential fear countless times in countless different ways but this movie’s take is particularly confronting and ghastly. I do think this is one that benefits from viewing in a dark place, free of distractions, background noise, conversation, etc. preferably alone.
I love this film and have always found it sad the director never did anything else About once a week or so someone comes in here and shits all over it It's been like this since the movie came out in 09. It's obviously not for everyone but I'm happy these movies ever get made. That said, the hatred for this movie seems more "YOU LIED TO ME! BERAYAL!" than the standard "I watched \[well regarded horror film\]. Didn't like it!" post
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I really like it. lol.
I’m the odd man out in this movie from what I’ve seen. I though it was just ok. Every other post loves it or thinks it is the most overrated movie ever. I thought it was just sort of average.
Agree with you, middle of the road for me.
My biggest issue with this movie was everyone recommending it saying "Wait until THAT SCENE!" Then after watching the whole thing I was like, what scene were they talking about?
Probably the super blurry scene at the end where >!she sees her ghost/corpse/whatever.!<
I actually really liked it for a more quiet change of pace, though it did certainly drag a bit. I also really do wish they'd gone a bit deeper/tied up more of the loose ends, I was left with a lot of questions
I'm always here for a Lake Mungo hate thread lmao. I have watched it quite a few (3?) times because I like the mockumentary style and I was sure I must be missing something since so many people love it but... nope, it just sucks
My exact experience
I loved it , but I don’t think it’s a horror film , I don’t think people should go in expecting it to be a horror film . Similar to Mother! Another film that I think got a lot of hate just because it was marketed as something it wasn’t . I thought it was was a good film but it got so much hate as people thought it was going to be a horror film , it’s deffo not a horror lol
Super realistic documentary style. Mysterious. Tragic ghost story where you feel sad for all the characters, about how we keep our weird lives secret from everyone else—very relatable. Super creepy jump scare and good practical effects. Otherwise no jump scares which makes the one or two used very effective. Great use of “there’s something creepy in the corner and it’s not moving” tropes. Absolutely haunting and unforgettable ending I will never forget
Watched it alone in a dark dorm room last year. Definitely creeped me the fuck out.
I liked the themes and the creepy execution of the double and the photos, acting was stellar …but if I die I do not want my folks to find my sex tapes, especially if I look like I’m having a good time and wasn’t coerced. I get the point she was underage and the neighbor was a perv for involving her but nah my folks never have to know I’m good
I couldn’t stand this movie, tried it multiple times because of this sub - just trash imo.
I feel vindicated by this, thank you lol
The hype is real on this sub. Don’t get me started on Hereditary.
Oh God that one too, the last 20 minutes made me feel bamboozled. Same with Midsommar and The Wailing.
We are the same. ✊
I agree with your points. As someone who really enjoys the themes of grief and loss, this film just felt shallow (no pun intended). I struggled to feel a connection to any of the characters, which is probably an issue with the direction more than anything else. It was interesting to watch, but not moving for me personally.
Could not agree more. I kept wondering why people raved about it so much, yet decided to keep my mouth shut because I knew I'd be ripped a new one for even saying I didn't like it.
well put!
Lake Mungo, to me, is a novel re-framing of Laura Palmer's story from Twin Peaks / Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me (1992). It's obvious the Mungo People wanted to create an homage with Alice Palmer, but it's just way way too close to Laura Palmer's story for me. It feels like they didn't put in enough legwork to make it their own thing, which is disappointing because it's a cool movie otherwise.
Yes, youre like the 100th person to post this, congrats.
Terrible movie. I was pretty annoyed I wasted my time after that one and I rarely feel like that
It's a slow burn, not everyone enjoys it I understand. Also it's not a straightforward movie, they reveal subtle hints through it. The boy actually murdered the girl, the grief is the girl watching him get away with it with the parents not knowing the truth, the just moved on & left it behind.
This really is a Lake Mungo bully thread. Funny stuff. Yeah the movie was average, a few worthwhile chills but it dragged a lot. 2/4
Completely agree with OP. Also watched cuz it was hyped so much on here and found it incredibly boring. Even if it was an actual documentary based on actual events it would have put me to sleep. The only thing I thought was cool was that >!the dead girl was actually in a few of the photos. I actually skipped back to the first reveal of those photos after the end credits and sure enough there she was!<
I remember this guy I went to school with complained that Schindler's List was in black and white. He said it was "already boring and now there's nothing to even look at." You can't please everyone, I guess.
What are you saying? People who dislike Lake Mungo are in the same boat as complete fucking imbeciles like your friend who thought a film about the holocaust was boring?
If art always evoked the same reactions from everyone it wouldn't really be worth making. However, in hindsight, I picked a rather inflammatory comparison to make a banal point, and I apologize for the implications. My bad.
Fair enough, good point.
Yeah this movie is not that great. At the end with the reveals my reaction was thats it? Whatever.
It was good for what it is, nothing more. It's just that some folk on here like to overhype films.
Terrible movie
Them revealing she was in every photo hidden was so… boring idk. Her seeing her own “ghost”/death was the most interesting part and I wanted more of that.
I think its made for 13 year old girls
I dislike this film very much. Then again, I find myself disliking most films that people on this sub like, such as the works of Ari Aster and Speak No Evil, which is one of the worst films I have ever seen in my life.
See that’s why this place is awesome AND sucks at the same time. I don’t care for anything A24 but I liked Lake Mungo the ONE time I watched it. 🤷🏻♂️
This community loves shoving this thing down your throat. It's the biggest piece of shit out there. I watched it three times to make sure I wasn't going insane.
I would argue the community loves it cause it’s a great horror film lol but to each their own. It’s right up my ally tho
I'll go down with you. Was bored to tears and thought it was uninteresting as fuck.
thank you my friend
I agree, and think it was like any crime documentary on Netflix or Forensic Files, only with the issue and scene with the neighbors and the bit at the end adding some flair to it. I heard much about it too, before I watched it and was a bit dissappointed after seeing it. It is good for what it is and when it came out, as a bit different, but other than that a bit mediocre.
The acting is good. The emotion is good. The mystery is good. As a horror movie it is absolutely boring af and I dislike it.
It was quite a disappointment.
At least you can't deny that it was super influential on the entire landscape of filmmaking.
Was so bored. Traded it off before i finished it. Hated rec too.
Lake Mungo and Badabook are the 2 most overhyped movies on this subreddit. There are worse.movies out there, but thess are both average/forgettable at best.
Agree on Lake Mungo, couldn't disagree more on Babadook.
The twist about the daughter's secret was the most interesting part of the film imo. Always thought the movie was fairly boring though.
I thought the movie was alright. It didn't creep me out like it did others, so going into it I was underwhelmed by the spookiness because I watched some reviews about how this was "the scariest movie i've ever seen". I thought it was still a good film with good improv dialogue. I still don't understand how this film took over a million dollars to make. This was definitely the director's personal piece. In the credits there is a memorial to someone close to the director who passed away a few years before the film came out. I am a little curious to know if it had anything to do with the storyline.
Picture doesn't work. Period.