In a cinematic landscape ready to burst at the seams with sequels and reboots and spin-offs galore, a film as singular in its vision as The Lighthouse comes along. Traces of other film exists within Robert Eggers' follow-up to The Witch but there's no questioning the creativity or originality placed into this visually-inspired, impeccably-made if rather alienating sophomore feature.
In the late 19th century, two lighthouse keepers find themselves stranded on a remote and mysterious New England island that gives way to an alcohol-fuelled, tension-simmering month. Starring Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattison in what is essentially an almost two hour two hander, there's a great deal going on beneath the stormy surface of The Lighthouse - but is it within the film's grasp?
A tonal hybrid - mystery, thriller, horror, drama, comedy all in one - The Lighthouse's unique blend of genres works through sheer ambition at times, and you find yourself enraptured by this disorientating, alienating and almost hypnotic world of mermaids, shanties and seagulls - whether you are actually "liking" it is another question entirely. From the word go, it is one of those bold, uncompromising pieces of cinema, as unwavering in its vision as it is almost impenetrable in its themes.
Almost faultless technically, it is a beautifully-composed feature. Eggers directs the hell out of The Lighthouse and it's near impossible to imagine anyone having the success with it that he has, asserting a style which he has so successfully cemented in just his second feature. Brimming with striking horror imagery and symbolism, the monochrome visuals breed a grimy discomfort emphasised further the impressive production design and shadowy lighting that textures it superbly. Combined with the boxed-in aspect ratio that suffocates and conveys the isolation and growing discomfort these men face, and enhanced by Mark Korven's impeccable score, The Lighthouse is one of the finest made movies of the year.
The problems are mostly contained in the story and script: you’d be at odds with yourself to call anything about this film “familiar” but beneath the surface are well-worn themes: toxic masculinity, isolation and sexual repression are all swirling around this mythological-inspired film, but does it really ever amount to more than just a handful of thematic musings? Is there any coherence? Does it fully explore them? It’s almost as if the film is trying to overwhelm in every other aspect to distract from a very threadbare story. It could easily be reduced in its length, which would, in turn, smooth over the uneven character trajectories and the sense of repetition that settles in during the second half most noticeably.
But overcoming these storytelling drawbacks are Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe: the slightest resistance from either actor would have pushed this film out to sea without a paddle, but because of their commitment to the roles, The Lighthouse is anchored exceptionally well. A leading Pattinson plays it (mostly, because it is a surprisingly homoerotic movie, after all) straight, shouldering most of the dramatic work and compelling from beginning to end; it's an incredibly difficult role to sell, with the distortion between reality and fantasy crumbling in less sophisticated hands, but Pattison thrives. Dafoe is having the time of his life, utterly unhinged as Thomas Wake in a performance best left unspoiled. These roles aren't flattering, and the arcs are wonky, but both well-matched leads curate an intoxicating chemistry that propels the film.
The Lighthouse won't be for everyone, requiring a very acquired taste for maximum enjoyment - but it is a cult classic waiting to happen for those on board with the insanity. Hallucinatory visuals, a pair of excellent performances and a deeply pervading score, helmed so assuredly by director Robert Eggers, ensure this technically-astonishing film shines, but is there enough method to the storytelling madness on one solitary viewing for it to work? I admire The Lighthouse but can I say I like it so confidently? I'm still undecided.
7.5/10
Summary: Almost impenetrable at times, The Lighthouse is a hypnotic and suffocating film that will certainly be more rewarding on future viewings — the question will be whether you want to endure more of this bizarre tonal concoction ever again.