Seattle's Loch Ness

Seattle's Loch Ness is a 2012 horror film that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The story line splits between present day Seattle and the 19th century, when the myth of the "Seattle Lake Serpent" (similar to the Scottish Loch Ness Monster) emerged.

The film opens with a fisherman's perspective of a beautiful day at Seattle's Lake Union. It quickly turns eerie when his boat glides over a large, mysterious object in the water. A haunting melody plays as the camera pans below the surface, and the unknown creature makes a deafening sound.

The main character, John (Dan Schwert), is a journalist with a fascination for Seattle's history. He investigates the "Seattle Lake Serpent" myth, digging through newspaper archives and interviewing experts. John's girlfriend, Kate (Tara Walker), is a marine biologist who is skeptical of the existence of the creature. Meanwhile, Graham Greene's character, a Native American shaman named Tewanima, warns John of the dangers of meddling with the spirit world.

As the story progresses, strange events begin to occur around the lake. Tourists go missing, and boats are attacked. There are sightings of a large, dragon-like creature with ghastly eyes. Kate is called to the scene to assist with an investigation, only to discover that the creature is real. The film takes a dark turn as they realize the creature is not merely a missing link in natural history, but a product of dark magic.

The film's lighting and sound design create a spooky atmosphere. The underwater scenes are especially well-done; they capture the eeriness of the water and the unknown lurking below the surface. The costumes are also noteworthy: Tewanima's traditional garb, combined with the special effects used to show his connection to the spirit world, creates a sense of otherworldliness.

One aspect that sets Seattle's Loch Ness apart from other monster movies is its historical context. The story addresses the impact of European colonization on Native American cultures. John struggles with the clash between Native American mythology and western science, as he tries to reconcile the two perspectives. The shaman's warnings add a layer of cultural tension to the plot. Woven into the story is also the idea of the consequences of disrespecting natural order. Throughout the movie, the characters are drawn into the mythical world that they had once dismissed, and pay the price for their ignorance.

One weakness of the film is its pacing. The plot takes a while to pick up speed--the first third of the film is mostly exposition. The emphasis on historical context, while refreshing, slows down the plot. The backstory, while important for the overall message, could have been condensed for tighter storytelling. Yet it does give the film a unique personality, and makes the eventual action all the more satisfying.

The acting is generally strong, but there are moments when the dialogue feels forced. The chemistry between John and Kate could have been stronger; their relationship feels more like a plot device than a genuine connection. Graham Greene, on the other hand, shines in his role as Tewanima, bringing a depth to his character that elevates the film.

Overall, Seattle's Loch Ness is a solid horror movie that intelligently weaves in themes of cultural tension and natural order. While it might not be the most memorable movie in the genre, it is worth a watch for its ambition and execution.