The Lost [DVD]

R2 originaali, ei suomitekstejä. Tekstit englanniksi.

Horror based on the novel by Jack Ketchum. Ray Pye (Marc Senter) is a mysterious and charismatic young man who murders two innocent campers during a weekend away with his girlfriend, Jennifer (Shay Astar), and best friend, Tim (Alex Frost). Forcing his friends not to tell the police, the case goes unsolved, much to the annoyance of local detective, Charlie Schilling (Michael Bowen). Four years later, Ray has turned his attentions to new girl in town, Katherine (Robin Sydney), and a young high school graduate who is now working in the motel that Ray manages. When both girls reject Ray's advances, and Tim and Jennifer's loyalty begins to slip, Ray's behaviour threatens to spiral out of control once again.

Actors: Marc Senter, Shay Astar, Alex Frost, Megan Henning, Robin Sydney

• Directors: Chris Sivertson
• Producers: Chris Sivertson, Lucky McKee, Mike McKee, Shelli Merrill
• Format: PAL
• Region: Region 2 (This DVD may not be viewable outside Europe. Read more about DVD formats.)
• Number of discs: 1
• Classification: 18
• Studio: Lions Gate Home Entertainment
• DVD Release Date: 8 Jun. 2009
• Run Time: 119 minutes

I found this movie when I happened across Marc Senter's excellent work in 'The Devil's Carnival' and sought out his previous work. This low-budget yet incredibly stylish movie doesn't disappoint.

Other reviewers have given short synopses of the story so I won't talk about the story and go over old ground. I'm not familiar with Jack Ketchum's work so I'm afraid I can't comment on how similar the film adaptation is to the novel, but what I do know is that the movie is incredibly well-shot and acted. From the very first scene where Ray happens upon the naked girl in the woods, you know this is a very different kind of movie. It's twisted but in an almost delicious way. I was led along by Marc Senter's flawlessly charming portrayal of Ray until he grabbed the gun and then I felt my guts churning with horror. I note other reviewers have commented that much of the film is slow; however I can't agree with them. The 'slow' parts in my opinion are central to the plot. They give us an insight into the messed-up life that Ray leads and an insight into his character as well as (rather skillfully) introducing the other main characters. There's Jen (Ray's somewhat devoted girlfriend), Kath (a bad girl who Ray falls passionately for) and also Sally (a housekeeper at his mother's motel who is dating a much older man). There are also other minor characters introduced such as Dee Dee who works at the local food place, Ray's mother, and a couple of others. We are also introduced to Detective Charlie Schilling who relentlessly pursues Ray.

I thought the pacing of this movie was excellent, and very true to the genre. From a psychological point of view the pacing works seamlessly with Ray's mindset. Fast and frenzied and impulsive at the beginning; before becoming slow and reflective until the last 30 minutes or so where it speeds up again as Ray loses it. I was gripped throughout which was helped by the excellent performances of the cast. Marc Senter in particular gives a stellar performance in the lead role. I was also impressed by the performances of the three main female leads, especially Robyn Sydney who plays Kath. Her portrayal of the bad girl with an emotional past rang very true and was believable.

This is not a horror in the usual sense of the word - it's not a gorefest. There's enough blood to get the point across but it's not gratuitous. Where this film shines is as a thriller or psychological horror. It feels very similar to Darren Aronofsky's 'Pi' in the way that it focuses intensely on the main character and his mindset.

I rented this but I think I may be adding the DVD to my collection after this. Very impressed.

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