‘She owes this land a body’
Lovely, Dark, and Deep is a 2023 horror film about a new ranger in a national park where rangers and the public have gone missing.
Written and directed by Teresa Sutherland (writer of The Wind) making her feature directorial debut. Produced by Josh C. Waller. Executive produced by Stefanie Coimbra, Elan Gale, Molly C. Quinn and Matthew M. Welty.
The House of Quest Films-QWGmire-Woodhead Creative production stars Georgina Campbell (T.I.M.; Bird Box Barcelona; Barbarian; All My Friends Hate Me; Wildcat), Nick Blood, Wai Ching Ho, Edgar Morais, Ana Sofia Martins, Soren Hellerup, Maria de Sá, Mick Greer, Ivory Lee Smith, Paul S. Tracey, Raquel Rocha Vieira and Celia Williams.
Plot:
Lennon (Georgina Campbell) seizes the opportunity to assume the coveted role of a back-country ranger at a remote outpost. While adapting to her solitary existence living deep in the wilderness, she becomes aware of a lurking, sinister presence. Driven by the need for answers, she embarks on a journey through the ominous terrain, seeking to unveil the long-standing mystery that has haunted her since childhood…
Reviews:
“Sutherland knows how to properly shoot in darkness, so the scenes set at night are creepy but still easy to see […] The story, meanwhile, goes to enjoyably twisted places, especially at the end, which has a nihilistic kick. Lovely, Dark, and Deep is an atmospheric chiller with an appealingly human center.” The Aisle Seat
” …though there comes a time where the bit of your brain that hungers for a satisfyingly neat resolution may start to grumble. Counterbalancing this is the fact that the vibes-based horror is beautifully staged, with plenty of creepy dream-logic tableaux playing out with gnarly charm and a well-judged sense of atmosphere.” ★★★ The Guardian
“Overall, Lovely, Dark, and Deep proves Campbell is one of the best actresses working in the horror genre right now. The feature also shows how terrifying, yet breathtaking nature can be. Its visuals invoke awe and danger, just like the poem. Along with Campbell’s acting, they’re the major highlight. If only some of the concepts found sturdier footing.” 6.5 out of 10, Horror Buzz
“Lovely, Dark, and Deep is a film that, despite its narrative shortcomings, still manages to lure in viewers with its atmospheric storytelling and a compelling performance. Its cinematography, capturing both the breathtaking beauty and crushing loneliness of the forest, is a sight to behold. While it may not be a perfect film, it certainly has its merits.” 61% Nightmare on Film Street
“It turns out that Lennon is working in this park for more than the scenery and that she is personally aware of the traumatic effect it can cause by making people vanish. But that part of her story isn’t as compelling as the present, where she faces freaky shadows in the night and disquieting daylight. Sutherland’s script relies on dream logic a little too much later on…” RogerEbert.com
“As the film progresses, it wants to throw more and more at the viewer, abandoning some of the more serene creeps it originally lays out for something more layered. The relatively short runtime exacerbates this somewhat, with a jump from the scene-setting to a more energetic final section. It is, mostly kept from spinning out of control, but some of the ways it folds in on itself are perhaps not as satisfying as they could be.” ★★★½ Scared Sheepless
“Lovely, Dark, and Deep is a disturbing piece of contemporary American folk horror. One that works quietly, without much in the way of gore or overt jump scares. It works via things like the mysterious black deer that repeatedly appears from nowhere and just as quickly disappears […] Or people having responses that are 180 degrees off from what they should be.” ★★★½ Voices from the Balcony
Release:
The film has its world premiere at the Fantasia International Film Festival in Montreal in July 2023.
In the US, XYZ Films will release Lovely, Dark, and Deep theatrically in select locations and on VOD on February 22, 2024
In the UK, Blue Finch Films will release the movie on digital platforms on March 25, 2024.
For YouTube reviews, the trailer, a clip and technical info please visit page 2
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