Raw, no chaser: Eden Lake

How many lame "horror" movies have been churned out in the last 10 years? How many tepid remakes of genuinely good thrillers? How long has it been since somebody's really pushed your buttons? If these questions provoke any kind of longing for a genuine jolt, check out the 2008 UK flick Eden Lake. Writer/Director James Watkins probably doesn't wear seatbelts, as Eden Lake plays with many of the tried and true survival-horror conventions and happily pushes them off a cliff.

Michael Fassbender (Inglourious Basterds, X-Men: First Class) and Kelly Reilly (Watson's fiance in Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes) are a nice suburban couple off for a romantic weekend in the country. He's chosen a romantic location to pop the big question. The only problem is, they're not alone. Taking cues from Deliverance and Straw Dogs, Watkins serves up a menacing gang who at first glance seem to be obnoxious teens. Just kids. To say more would be a sin, but the dynamic turns horribly wrong and we quickly plummet into some very dark and disturbing territory.

The shadow of Lord of the Flies hangs disturbingly well over Eden Lake. The performances are terrific and Watkins does a sensational job of creating virtually relentless heart-in-your-mouth suspense and dread. He's directing the new Daniel Radcliffe (Hammer Films!) horror film The Woman in Black next, which I am now very excited for. But be warned: Seriously -- don't let the title fool you. Eden Lake pulls no punches and is as raw and brutal as they come. It has not received a lot of attention outside of the UK, but if you can handle a straight shot, Eden Lake is definitely worth seeking out and once it's taken a bite, it does not let go.