Cottage Country

"Cottage Country" is a 2013 black comedy film directed by Peter Wellington, and starring Malin Akerman, Tyler Labine, and Lucy Punch. The film follows Todd (Labine) and his girlfriend Cammie (Akerman), who go on a romantic vacation to Todd's family cottage in rural Ontario. The trip takes a dark turn when Todd accidentally kills his brother Salinger (Daniel Petronijevic) in a fight over a family heirloom. Todd then decides to cover up the crime and presents the death as an accident, but things spiral out of control as more people become involved in the cover-up.

The film's premise promises to be a wild ride, and it certainly delivers on that front. The story is full of unexpected twists and turns that keep the audience on their toes. The pacing is frantic, with tension consistently building up until the explosive final act. The writing is sharp and witty, with numerous hilarious one-liners and subtle jokes that add a layer of humor to the film's darker underbelly.

Tyler Labine is excellent as the lead, Todd. He plays the role with a likable charm that makes it easy to sympathize with his predicament. Although Todd's actions are often questionable, there is a sense of vulnerability to him that makes him a compelling protagonist. Malin Akerman is equally impressive as Todd's girlfriend, Cammie. She is charismatic and assertive, handling the film's more physical scenes with ease.

The supporting cast also brings their A-game to the film. Lucy Punch plays Todd's unhinged sister, maddeningly desperate for Todd's affections. The dynamic between the two siblings is both amusing and disturbing. Kenneth Welsh plays the family patriarch, a man with a secret of his own, and the late Maury Chaykin delivers a satisfyingly sleazy performance as the local coroner.

The film's Canadian setting is gorgeous and helps to create a sense of isolation for the characters. The picturesque forest and lake are juxtaposed against the dark events that take place, making the film's tone all the more twisted.

While the film is a success in many ways, it's not without its flaws. Some of the supporting characters feel underdeveloped, with their motivations and actions not completely clear. The narrative also takes some strange detours that feel unnecessary, although they do add to the film's overall offbeat tone.

In conclusion, "Cottage Country" is an entertaining and darkly funny film. The story is unpredictable, the humor is biting, and the performances are strong. It's not a perfect film, but it's definitely worth a watch for anyone looking for a unique and memorable comedy.