The Winter Lake

There's promise here but also perhaps some uncertainty: ultimately it falls between the stools of realist rural drama and full-on horror.

The focus on character development and emotions is what makes the movie shine, as well as hosting beautiful visuals and sound.

While the dialogue is uninspired, the plot is an interesting exercise in noir-ish duplicity, and culminates in a tense showdown.

Although some dislike its slow pace, The Winter Lake does not disappoint. From the setting, sound design, casting, and cinematography, Sheerin's directorial debut contains all the elements of a good movie.

A mystery to be revealed. Revealed it will be piece by piece. Getting more and more ominous as the film advances.

[An] effectively claustrophobic debut feature.

The feature debut of director Phil Sheerin is all build-up - very good build-up to be sure, with some terrific acting sustaining the mood. But the payoff doesn't live up to what the premise promises.

The Winter Lake is indeed slow, but it doesn't have enough in its tank to sustain that measured pacing for any length of time, leaving things flat.

Even though the good work has been done by this stage, it is a shame that it can't quite close the deal in its climax.

The trouble with building up so much tension is that you then have to justify it, and a slightly flat finale doesn't quite manage it. Nicely made and photographed, though.