Loon Lake

Loon Lake is a mystery-thriller film from 2019, directed by Ansel Faraj and starring Nathan Wilson, David Selby, and Kelly Erin Decker. The movie follows Robert Scott (Nathan Wilson), a man who returns to his hometown after his grandfather's death, hoping to find out more about his family's dark past.

As Robert begins to investigate, he discovers that his family's past is intertwined with the mysterious disappearance of a local girl 20 years prior. With the help of his grandfather's old friend and local sheriff, Sheriff Carl (David Selby), Robert sets out to uncover the truth behind the girl's disappearance and clear his family's name.

However, as Robert delves deeper into the investigation, he realizes that the small town of Loon Lake has many secrets and that his family's past may be darker than he ever could have imagined. Along the way, he also falls for a local woman named Julie (Kelly Erin Decker) who helps him in his quest for the truth.

The film is a slow-burning mystery with a hauntingly beautiful setting. The small-town setting of Loon Lake, with its dense forests and misty lakes, adds an eerie sense of isolation to the film. The cinematography captures the beauty of the landscape and the haunting atmosphere of the town, making it a character in its own right.

Nathan Wilson gives a strong performance as Robert, a man haunted by his family's past and determined to clear their name. He convincingly portrays the character's vulnerability and determination to get to the truth, even when it brings him face to face with some uncomfortable truths.

David Selby is also excellent as Sheriff Carl, a gruff but compassionate lawman who helps Robert in his investigation. He brings a warmth and humanity to the film and serves as a moral compass for the characters.

Kelly Erin Decker delivers a solid performance as Julie, a local woman who becomes Robert's ally in his investigation. While her character initially seems conventional, she is given depth and nuance as the story progresses.

The film's pacing can be slow at times, especially in the first act, but this is intentional as it allows for a gradual building of tension and atmosphere. The slow pacing also serves to invest the viewer in the characters and their journey, making the eventual revelations all the more impactful.

The film's strengths lie in its atmosphere and character development. The tension builds steadily throughout the movie, and the payoff is satisfying without relying on cheap jump scares or over-the-top reveals.

Overall, Loon Lake is a well-crafted mystery-thriller with an engaging story, strong performances, and a hauntingly beautiful setting. It's a slow-burning film that rewards patience and invests in its characters, resulting in a satisfying and emotionally resonant ending.