It's hard to determine if decency or disappointment will win in my head. I want to like this movie, but it was a bit too corny. I do enjoy Poe and I do enjoy low budget movies and like to give them a chance. I'm just so conflicted on this one. Would I watch it again? Quite possibly. Not a complete waste of time. Just odd.
17 Reviews
Should have left it at an unfinished short story...
paul_haakonsen1 May 2017
I was genuinely thrilled to watch "Edgar Allan Poe's Lighthouse Keeper", especially since Poe was such an influential figure in the horror literature. And the cover/poster of the movie also really looked great and that really lured me in. And the cover/poster of the movie actually shows promise of something of good production.
The movie, however, turned out to fail miserably at living up to what I expected from it. First of all, the movie seemed to accomplish way too much on too small a budget. And while the movie certainly had a great atmosphere, it was just permeated by a production value that was less than mediocre.
This wasn't a particular great transition from written format to visual format, and the movie wasn't overly entertaining, much less captivating or interesting. And I do believe that to be because of the slow paced story, and the fact that very little happened throughout the course of the entire movie. And when something actually did happen, it was just met with questionable effects and equally questionable acting.
The effects in "Edgar Allan Poe's Lighthouse Keeper" were definitely tinted by being low budget, and the shambling creatures that encroached on the people in the lighthouse were laughable to look at, especially since the effects and make-up were not nicely made.
Furthermore, the movie has a very small cast ensemble, so there was a lot of weight on the shoulders of the cast. And it didn't really work out great for the movie, as the acting throughout the movie was rigid, wooden and just oozed with mediocrity.
"Edgar Allan Poe's Lighthouse Keeper" was anything but scary or unsettling in anyway, and it didn't really capture the essence and root of Poe's written words, which just goes to prove that there is a lot of depth and volume to written words.
If you are a fan of Edgar Allan Poe's writings, then there is very little to find fulfilling here in director Benjamin Cooper vision of "Edgar Allan Poe's Lighthouse Keeper". I was tempted a couple of times throughout the course of this movie to get up and find something else to watch, but I stuck with it, as I wanted to see if it got better, given the fact that this was after all fashioned after the written words of one of the most influential writers in horror history.
The lighthouse here merely managed to light up 3 out of 10 stars in my opinion. Hardly worth the time or the effort.
The movie, however, turned out to fail miserably at living up to what I expected from it. First of all, the movie seemed to accomplish way too much on too small a budget. And while the movie certainly had a great atmosphere, it was just permeated by a production value that was less than mediocre.
This wasn't a particular great transition from written format to visual format, and the movie wasn't overly entertaining, much less captivating or interesting. And I do believe that to be because of the slow paced story, and the fact that very little happened throughout the course of the entire movie. And when something actually did happen, it was just met with questionable effects and equally questionable acting.
The effects in "Edgar Allan Poe's Lighthouse Keeper" were definitely tinted by being low budget, and the shambling creatures that encroached on the people in the lighthouse were laughable to look at, especially since the effects and make-up were not nicely made.
Furthermore, the movie has a very small cast ensemble, so there was a lot of weight on the shoulders of the cast. And it didn't really work out great for the movie, as the acting throughout the movie was rigid, wooden and just oozed with mediocrity.
"Edgar Allan Poe's Lighthouse Keeper" was anything but scary or unsettling in anyway, and it didn't really capture the essence and root of Poe's written words, which just goes to prove that there is a lot of depth and volume to written words.
If you are a fan of Edgar Allan Poe's writings, then there is very little to find fulfilling here in director Benjamin Cooper vision of "Edgar Allan Poe's Lighthouse Keeper". I was tempted a couple of times throughout the course of this movie to get up and find something else to watch, but I stuck with it, as I wanted to see if it got better, given the fact that this was after all fashioned after the written words of one of the most influential writers in horror history.
The lighthouse here merely managed to light up 3 out of 10 stars in my opinion. Hardly worth the time or the effort.
If you've got to watch it, watch it for Vernon Wells
Leofwine_draca6 July 2017
Warning: Spoilers
LIGHT HOUSE KEEPER is an indie horror flick based on an unfinished story by the master of horror, Edgar Allan Poe. It's about a guy who gets a job at a remote lighthouse only to find himself haunted by the supernatural denizens dwelling therein. Attempts to give the film a period look and feel don't really pay off, but the one trump card is the presence of the great Vernon Wells in the cast. Wells was, of course, the villain of MAD MAX 2: THE ROAD WARRIOR and COMMANDO back in the day, and he's the perfect fit here as the salty sea dog. Sadly, he's the only decent thing about this.
Confusing And WTF
appleappleu30 April 2019
The story is complicated while it says its scary But it isn't, I don't Know why people will like this movie but this is one of my worst movie I have watched! Totally disappointing! AND THE COVER OF THE MOVIE LOOKS LIKE A GOOD ONE, NO SPOILERS BUT LOUSY MOVIE!!
Another Butchered Story of Edgar Allen Poe
dcarsonhagy8 April 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Did you hear that? I believe it was the great one, Edgar Allen Poe turning over in his grave.
"The Lighthouse Keeper" is based on a short by Edgar Allen Poe, and it is just dreadful. I read one review that gave this stinker a "10," and all I can see is...BS. The movie begins with savage storm and a man eventually washing up on the beach. He immediately begins seeing apparitions--or is she real--of a young woman. The only advice the lighthouse keeper can give him is "always keep a light on."
Again, this is another easy one to figure out. I will say Vernon Wells (of the original "Road Warrior") gave a decent performance despite it all. Rated "R" for ridiculous.
"The Lighthouse Keeper" is based on a short by Edgar Allen Poe, and it is just dreadful. I read one review that gave this stinker a "10," and all I can see is...BS. The movie begins with savage storm and a man eventually washing up on the beach. He immediately begins seeing apparitions--or is she real--of a young woman. The only advice the lighthouse keeper can give him is "always keep a light on."
Again, this is another easy one to figure out. I will say Vernon Wells (of the original "Road Warrior") gave a decent performance despite it all. Rated "R" for ridiculous.
Old School Classic.
gabrielcdoe23 December 2016
I like this movie not only because it is typically Poe, but because it brings back an age of classic horror movie genre. The acting I'll admit was rather flat line but the story is what nightmares are made of, and I would recommend it to anyone who maybe trying to come up with a horror movie ideas of their own. Nowadays too many directors confuse gory slasher movies with horror and that should never be the case, good horror movies may display certain elements of gore for the shock effect, however, true horror movies has the ability to stay in the sub-conscience and when you hear things that go bump in the night; it will have the ability for the viewer to recall what they are relating their present apprehension with.
Gabriel C. Doe Jr.
Gabriel C. Doe Jr.
Always Keep A Light Burning
P3n-E-W1s326 February 2017
To all of the people involved in this movie, which if you waited to the credits isn't very many, thank you, Thank You, THANK YOU, for making such a beautiful movie.
This has to be the most visually beautiful horror movie I have ever seen and it was a joy and a pleasure to watch. I cannot tell how close to Poe's original story it kept to, though it has given me an incentive to root out my copy of Poe's tales and have a read, which is a marvellous bonus.
The story is set somewhere between the 1930's and the 1960's and the sets have been expertly set to give you the exact right feel. There's hardly any knick knacks in the lighthouse, as these times were a less clutter-some place. The only tech in the house is a gramophone; the lights are candles and oil burners; the stove is an iron wood burner; even the spices in the rack are in tins. This alone is a nice touch; right down to the costumes.
The story is a slow burner which starts out as a smouldering ember and works into an all out forest fire. There are three major characters; The Lighthouse Keeper, Walsh, portrayed brilliantly by veteran actor Vernon Wells. giving a believable performance as a man who, though not happy to be alone, has adapted to the solitude of being by himself, making him gruff, argumentative, and self-righteous. J. P. played nicely by Matt O'Neill, is the sole survivor of a storm washed up on the Lighthouse's beach. While waiting for the ferry to take him off the island strange things occur to him, he hears voices, bumps into a strange and mysterious woman, and wonders why the candles have to remain lit. Rachel Riley gives a good performance as Nora, the mysterious woman who lives in the woods on the island and fall in love with J. P., though she may have something to do with the lighthouse keeper.
Benjamin Cooper does a fantastic job of unravelling the dark secrets of the characters; and though their secrets are very very dark Cooper makes a bold decision to shoot the majority of the movie in glorious daylight. The scenery is so colourful and attractive I wanted to become the lighthouse keeper. The camera shots are artistic and engaging. I loved the fact that you could also see everything in the night shots; there was either moonlight or candlelight, which added to the great depth of the filmography (something you don't usually rate in a horror movie). There were a couple of scene's that were jarred and disjointed, but I can forgive that because all the rest are so well done.
If you like ghost stories filled with mysteries and a few twists then I would recommend this. When the movie started I thought I wouldn't like it, the rain in the storm was fake and it was a period piece. Though, as the film progressed I became impressed with everything about the story and movie, to the point where this is now one of my favourite horror films.
This has to be the most visually beautiful horror movie I have ever seen and it was a joy and a pleasure to watch. I cannot tell how close to Poe's original story it kept to, though it has given me an incentive to root out my copy of Poe's tales and have a read, which is a marvellous bonus.
The story is set somewhere between the 1930's and the 1960's and the sets have been expertly set to give you the exact right feel. There's hardly any knick knacks in the lighthouse, as these times were a less clutter-some place. The only tech in the house is a gramophone; the lights are candles and oil burners; the stove is an iron wood burner; even the spices in the rack are in tins. This alone is a nice touch; right down to the costumes.
The story is a slow burner which starts out as a smouldering ember and works into an all out forest fire. There are three major characters; The Lighthouse Keeper, Walsh, portrayed brilliantly by veteran actor Vernon Wells. giving a believable performance as a man who, though not happy to be alone, has adapted to the solitude of being by himself, making him gruff, argumentative, and self-righteous. J. P. played nicely by Matt O'Neill, is the sole survivor of a storm washed up on the Lighthouse's beach. While waiting for the ferry to take him off the island strange things occur to him, he hears voices, bumps into a strange and mysterious woman, and wonders why the candles have to remain lit. Rachel Riley gives a good performance as Nora, the mysterious woman who lives in the woods on the island and fall in love with J. P., though she may have something to do with the lighthouse keeper.
Benjamin Cooper does a fantastic job of unravelling the dark secrets of the characters; and though their secrets are very very dark Cooper makes a bold decision to shoot the majority of the movie in glorious daylight. The scenery is so colourful and attractive I wanted to become the lighthouse keeper. The camera shots are artistic and engaging. I loved the fact that you could also see everything in the night shots; there was either moonlight or candlelight, which added to the great depth of the filmography (something you don't usually rate in a horror movie). There were a couple of scene's that were jarred and disjointed, but I can forgive that because all the rest are so well done.
If you like ghost stories filled with mysteries and a few twists then I would recommend this. When the movie started I thought I wouldn't like it, the rain in the storm was fake and it was a period piece. Though, as the film progressed I became impressed with everything about the story and movie, to the point where this is now one of my favourite horror films.
Solid but underwhelming classic ghost story
kannibalcorpsegrinder13 October 2017
Shipwrecked on a deserted island, a confused young man finds himself stranded with a reclusive lighthouse keeper who continually dissuades and mocks his belief in a series of visions regarding ghostly figures on the island and tries to ensure that he can leave the island alive.
This here was a decent if uninspiring effort. Among the few positives here is the rather intriguing mystery built up around the island and its ghostly past which runs pretty much throughout the movie. Although it starts off small with the claims of his visions around the area which are immediately laughed off because of his amnesiac condition, it soon turns into a much more ominous tale with the discovery of the woman living in the surrounding woods or the scenes back at the house featuring the shifty behavior running into the lighthouse at night. Despite being initially laughed off as hallucinations, the numerous sightings he has of her around the lighthouse where she keeps on giving him hints of terrible outcomes by falling into the sea or having visions of her wandering through the wilderness gives this a solid enough outing as there's a lot of work done to offer the idea that something is happening on the lighthouse. This gives way into full-blown encounters with the spirits around the area as his carnal experience near the cave that turns into a ghost-swarm holding him down to let her have her way with him, the fantastic discovery of the caves underground or the scene of the zombified sailors coming out to attack him which give this a nice bit of action as well. The rousing finale, where the zombie-like ghosts are finally in action and generate a little bit of activity with the march on the lighthouse and their eventual battle together which is fun with all the sides getting in on everything together which really ends this on a high note. There are a few flaws with this one. One of the main issues to be found here is the film's utterly bland and boring pace, which just drains the life out of the movie with plenty of dragged out moments throughout here. The first half in the lighthouse has absolutely nothing happening here and it all just gives such a state of extended boredom throughout here that the film really struggles to get going during this crucial part of the film. It's also not helped out by the fact that this all features some really bland and dull feeling that covers the interchanges between them as the film's rather low- budget makes these all the more obvious. That, in essence, is the biggest problem with this one as the rather ambitious story doesn't fit the type of presentation here with the cramped, closed-off setting doesn't fit that well with the type of story it goes for here, and manages to just hammer away that the film is too small budgeted to try this since the low quantity of action makes for a dull time overall. There are a few places it can go to and they look quite bad as a result, and it all just screams so low budget that there's little chance of this one offering up much to change that kind of feeling here. It's the biggest crutch against this and is the one main factor to get over in this one.
Rated R: Violence, Language, Brief Nudity and a clothed sex scene.
This here was a decent if uninspiring effort. Among the few positives here is the rather intriguing mystery built up around the island and its ghostly past which runs pretty much throughout the movie. Although it starts off small with the claims of his visions around the area which are immediately laughed off because of his amnesiac condition, it soon turns into a much more ominous tale with the discovery of the woman living in the surrounding woods or the scenes back at the house featuring the shifty behavior running into the lighthouse at night. Despite being initially laughed off as hallucinations, the numerous sightings he has of her around the lighthouse where she keeps on giving him hints of terrible outcomes by falling into the sea or having visions of her wandering through the wilderness gives this a solid enough outing as there's a lot of work done to offer the idea that something is happening on the lighthouse. This gives way into full-blown encounters with the spirits around the area as his carnal experience near the cave that turns into a ghost-swarm holding him down to let her have her way with him, the fantastic discovery of the caves underground or the scene of the zombified sailors coming out to attack him which give this a nice bit of action as well. The rousing finale, where the zombie-like ghosts are finally in action and generate a little bit of activity with the march on the lighthouse and their eventual battle together which is fun with all the sides getting in on everything together which really ends this on a high note. There are a few flaws with this one. One of the main issues to be found here is the film's utterly bland and boring pace, which just drains the life out of the movie with plenty of dragged out moments throughout here. The first half in the lighthouse has absolutely nothing happening here and it all just gives such a state of extended boredom throughout here that the film really struggles to get going during this crucial part of the film. It's also not helped out by the fact that this all features some really bland and dull feeling that covers the interchanges between them as the film's rather low- budget makes these all the more obvious. That, in essence, is the biggest problem with this one as the rather ambitious story doesn't fit the type of presentation here with the cramped, closed-off setting doesn't fit that well with the type of story it goes for here, and manages to just hammer away that the film is too small budgeted to try this since the low quantity of action makes for a dull time overall. There are a few places it can go to and they look quite bad as a result, and it all just screams so low budget that there's little chance of this one offering up much to change that kind of feeling here. It's the biggest crutch against this and is the one main factor to get over in this one.
Rated R: Violence, Language, Brief Nudity and a clothed sex scene.
Trapped in Limbo
claudio_carvalho24 December 2016
Warning: Spoilers
A castaway (Matt O'Neil) awakes on a beach with wounded forehead and sees a woman leaving the place. He takes his satchel and follows her. While climbing a cliff, he falls and faints. He wakes up with amnesia in a lighthouse and the keeper Walsh (Vernon Wells) explains that they are isolated in a remote peninsula where nobody can leave. The only means of transportation to San Francisco is a ferry that will arrive two weeks later. Last but not the least, he warns that he shall always keep a light burning during the night. He goes to the woods in the morning and meets the woman again. He learns that her name is Nora (Rachel Riley) and they fall in love with each other. When he returns to the lighthouse, Nora explains that Walsh is crazy and she cannot go there. During the night, the young man blows out the candle and sees spectral creatures. What are the secrets of Walsh, Nora and the lighthouse?
"Edgar Allan Poe's Lighthouse Keeper" is a strange horror movie developed in a nightmarish style, giving the sensation of a nightmare to the viewer. The plot is intriguing and creepy but unfortunately the conclusion is rushed and messy. Would J.P. be Walsh himself when he was young? But anyway the story startles in many moments. My vote is six.
Title (Brazil): Not Available
"Edgar Allan Poe's Lighthouse Keeper" is a strange horror movie developed in a nightmarish style, giving the sensation of a nightmare to the viewer. The plot is intriguing and creepy but unfortunately the conclusion is rushed and messy. Would J.P. be Walsh himself when he was young? But anyway the story startles in many moments. My vote is six.
Title (Brazil): Not Available
A Good Throwback Film To The Days Of Classic Horror
Rainey-Dawn13 September 2017
I liked this one quite a bit. None really knows what Edgar Allan Poe had in mind for the ending, he died before this story was finished, but I think the filmmakers did an excellent job of finishing the tale.
I have never read this piece of unfinished work by Poe, so I cannot compare. I have Poe's Complete Works but this one, although unfinished, was never added to the collection - I looked today for it in the book.
Worth watching if you like the older style of horror films and/or Edgar Allan Poe's tales. Bravo to the filmmakers for creating a good horror film for today's world... most of them today aren't actually horror but more of a simple gore fest to veg-out for viewing... this film instead works with the viewers mind as good horror should be.
9/10
I have never read this piece of unfinished work by Poe, so I cannot compare. I have Poe's Complete Works but this one, although unfinished, was never added to the collection - I looked today for it in the book.
Worth watching if you like the older style of horror films and/or Edgar Allan Poe's tales. Bravo to the filmmakers for creating a good horror film for today's world... most of them today aren't actually horror but more of a simple gore fest to veg-out for viewing... this film instead works with the viewers mind as good horror should be.
9/10
Very, VERY Old Fashioned Horror Story done well with a nice Classic, atmospheric style... Blu-ray: Excellent A: 9 V:9
lathe-of-heaven13 January 2017
3.4...??? Seriously?
Well, maybe if a person just doesn't like this type of old school Horror film or the Retro style of movies like this really bores them. Then yes, I guess so... But, when a person rates a film like this poorly when it is one that they wouldn't like anyway, does that help the rest of us to know HOW WELL it was done? See what I mean? For example, I personally loathe and detest Torture Porn Horror films, but I certainly do not come here and give movies like 'HOSTEL' low ratings, do I? Why...? Well, because that doesn't really help people who might actually LIKE those kinds of films and who want to know if a particular one is done well. So, likewise with this one.
Sorry about the long intro, it kind of bothers me when people do that here, because as I said, it's really not helpful to others who DO like these types of films. Well, you can probably tell by my rating that I really liked this movie (the reviews of the two other people so far here seem to agree...) This movie is indeed for people who actually DO like these kind of Old School Ghost Stories (can you say, 'THE FOG' anyone...? YES, the original, NOT the lame remake : ) So, if you are the kind of person who likes older style Ghost Stories (especially ones based upon Classics like Poe) then you will probably really enjoy this movie.
In my lowly and wretched opinion, I thought it was put together in a very effective and moody way with a lot of Classic style and atmosphere. I felt that it was told in a way that served the story very well and maintained a good level of Suspense. The acting, although not stellar, was decent enough and did not detract from the mood of the story. It IS a very simple story though, so you will need to keep your expectations reasonable. I'd say if you like modern versions of Classic Horror stories like Stuart Gordon's 'DAGON', for example (although this one is much simpler and likely with FAR less money) you should really enjoy this one.
Again, a good, old-fashioned, Old School, creepy and atmospheric Ghost Story. Nicely told and well done considering the clear limitations of how much money they could spend on it.
(P.S: Please be careful with Claudio's review below (above?) as it has some, I'm sure, unintended Spoilers in it!)
Well, maybe if a person just doesn't like this type of old school Horror film or the Retro style of movies like this really bores them. Then yes, I guess so... But, when a person rates a film like this poorly when it is one that they wouldn't like anyway, does that help the rest of us to know HOW WELL it was done? See what I mean? For example, I personally loathe and detest Torture Porn Horror films, but I certainly do not come here and give movies like 'HOSTEL' low ratings, do I? Why...? Well, because that doesn't really help people who might actually LIKE those kinds of films and who want to know if a particular one is done well. So, likewise with this one.
Sorry about the long intro, it kind of bothers me when people do that here, because as I said, it's really not helpful to others who DO like these types of films. Well, you can probably tell by my rating that I really liked this movie (the reviews of the two other people so far here seem to agree...) This movie is indeed for people who actually DO like these kind of Old School Ghost Stories (can you say, 'THE FOG' anyone...? YES, the original, NOT the lame remake : ) So, if you are the kind of person who likes older style Ghost Stories (especially ones based upon Classics like Poe) then you will probably really enjoy this movie.
In my lowly and wretched opinion, I thought it was put together in a very effective and moody way with a lot of Classic style and atmosphere. I felt that it was told in a way that served the story very well and maintained a good level of Suspense. The acting, although not stellar, was decent enough and did not detract from the mood of the story. It IS a very simple story though, so you will need to keep your expectations reasonable. I'd say if you like modern versions of Classic Horror stories like Stuart Gordon's 'DAGON', for example (although this one is much simpler and likely with FAR less money) you should really enjoy this one.
Again, a good, old-fashioned, Old School, creepy and atmospheric Ghost Story. Nicely told and well done considering the clear limitations of how much money they could spend on it.
(P.S: Please be careful with Claudio's review below (above?) as it has some, I'm sure, unintended Spoilers in it!)
The secret of the lighthouse
TheLittleSongbird5 August 2018
Love Edgar Allan Poe, from reading his timeless stories and the Roger Corman and Vincent Price films where the best of them were creepy and entertaining. Based on an unfinished short story, 'Edgar Allan Poe's Lighthouse Keeper' intrigued me with a great concept and the reviews here were nowhere near as bad as feared.
Especially when the rating was very low, which from personal experience recently has not been a good sign. Most of my recent low-budget viewings with low rating and mediocre to terrible reviews have been as bad and in some cases even worse. But I went with my gut instinct and saw 'Edgar Allan Poe's Lighthouse Keeper' anyway because it did seem like it would be one of my better recent low-budget viewings. And it actually was, not perfect and the potential is not completely lived up to but in no way is it wasted.
Starting with the good things, Vernon Wells is great and generally the main performers were better than average. The music is both quirky and ominous and the direction when the film gets going is assured. 'Edgar Allan Poe's Lighthouse Keeper' wisely plays it straight with a little tongue-in-cheek going on and appreciated and admired the more ambitious storytelling when the action properly kicked in.
The characters were not as annoying as feared and don't make as many frustrating and illogical decision making like some films seen recently did (this is always also including bigger budget films that were box office successes if variable critically). Parts are creepy and there is are a few fun set pieces. The threat actually has personality and generated creepiness.
Low budget however does show, the film did need a grander and more elaborate setting while the photography can be too claustrophobic and the effect ropy at best. The dialogue has a lot of cheese and awkwardness and the secondary cast are wooden and some of the chemistry bland.
As said, 'Edgar Allan Poe's Lighthouse Keeper' can drag and the first third is really uneventful and makes one want to bail. Then there is the ending which is rushed and on the wrong side of silly.
Overall, better than expected though very flawed still. 6/10 Bethany Cox
Especially when the rating was very low, which from personal experience recently has not been a good sign. Most of my recent low-budget viewings with low rating and mediocre to terrible reviews have been as bad and in some cases even worse. But I went with my gut instinct and saw 'Edgar Allan Poe's Lighthouse Keeper' anyway because it did seem like it would be one of my better recent low-budget viewings. And it actually was, not perfect and the potential is not completely lived up to but in no way is it wasted.
Starting with the good things, Vernon Wells is great and generally the main performers were better than average. The music is both quirky and ominous and the direction when the film gets going is assured. 'Edgar Allan Poe's Lighthouse Keeper' wisely plays it straight with a little tongue-in-cheek going on and appreciated and admired the more ambitious storytelling when the action properly kicked in.
The characters were not as annoying as feared and don't make as many frustrating and illogical decision making like some films seen recently did (this is always also including bigger budget films that were box office successes if variable critically). Parts are creepy and there is are a few fun set pieces. The threat actually has personality and generated creepiness.
Low budget however does show, the film did need a grander and more elaborate setting while the photography can be too claustrophobic and the effect ropy at best. The dialogue has a lot of cheese and awkwardness and the secondary cast are wooden and some of the chemistry bland.
As said, 'Edgar Allan Poe's Lighthouse Keeper' can drag and the first third is really uneventful and makes one want to bail. Then there is the ending which is rushed and on the wrong side of silly.
Overall, better than expected though very flawed still. 6/10 Bethany Cox
Keep a light burning through the night ...
parry_na14 January 2017
Edgar Allen Poe had barely begun to write his final work, on which this film is based before he passed away. Here, the talented Benjamin Cooper takes hold of the bare bones of the story and turns it into a sedately paced 88-minute film. Although achieved on a modest budget, the results are far from impoverished, and prove to be highly enjoyable - more than I expected.
JP (Matt O'Neill) finds himself washed up on an island, where he sees the apparition of a young woman. He's looked after by gruff lighthouse keeper Walsh (Vernon Wells). "I'll always keep a light burning during the night," he promises.
From here on in, we're treated to secrets, wraiths, apparitions, mysterious fever dreams, and a finale that only tells us what it wants us to know. This is a carefully made horror pot-boiler which may lack spectacle but tells a richly atmospheric tale very well. My score is 9 out of 10.
JP (Matt O'Neill) finds himself washed up on an island, where he sees the apparition of a young woman. He's looked after by gruff lighthouse keeper Walsh (Vernon Wells). "I'll always keep a light burning during the night," he promises.
From here on in, we're treated to secrets, wraiths, apparitions, mysterious fever dreams, and a finale that only tells us what it wants us to know. This is a carefully made horror pot-boiler which may lack spectacle but tells a richly atmospheric tale very well. My score is 9 out of 10.
Low budget throwback to low budget Roger Corman Poe films
a_chinn21 June 2017
Low budget, but surprisingly good Edgar Allan Poe film based upon his last (and unfinished) story. There's a long history of excellent low budget Poe film adaptations that really started with Roger Corman and Vincent Price's "The Fall of the House of Usher," so that alone made me kind of like this film. I'm not familiar with this Poe story, but the film follows a castaway washing up on an unfamiliar shore. He follows a mysterious ethereal woman and later awakens at a lighthouse run by Vernon Wells (you know, Wez from "The Road Warrior." "YOU! You can RUN, but you can't HIDE!"). The film does a good job of capturing that old Roger Corman feel of a doomed household and doing it all with a straight face, though with a slight tongue-in-cheek. I'm not sure this film will interest casual horror fans or art-house fans, but for people who enjoyed the old Roger Corman Poe films, this was kind of a fun throwback treat.
The peninsula is a grave and the lighthouse a tombstone.
nogodnomasters5 August 2017
Warning: Spoilers
The film is based on an unfinished work by Edgar Allan Poe and shows similarities to another work. It has been slightly modernized, placing the time frame in the early 20th century, long after Poe had died.
J.P. (Matt O'Neill) washes up on shore of a peninsula that has a lighthouse. His memory has lapsed, but he claims he is on his way to San Francisco and seems to be an engineer. He is cared for by Walsh, the aloft disagreeable lighthouse keeper. Walsh tells J.P. he must keep a light on at all times and that Nora (Rachel Riley) a woman J.P. sees is not real. A swelled river with treacherous rapids keeps the non-swimming J.P. from leaving...and the phone doesn't work. Strange things happen when the lights go out and with Nora. We get an explanation about an hour into the film. Note the small photo of Poe on the mantle about that same time.
The few CG effects were not good. Maybe some stock footage of a boat near shore Wood (sic) have worked better. Never got into the characters as the plot mystery outweighed all else. Walsh was able to spout grim metaphors, as some of the language appears to come from Poe, while Nora's language appears more modern. Once the mystery is solved, the film becomes grossly anti-climatic.
Guide: No swearing. No nudity. One sex scene.
J.P. (Matt O'Neill) washes up on shore of a peninsula that has a lighthouse. His memory has lapsed, but he claims he is on his way to San Francisco and seems to be an engineer. He is cared for by Walsh, the aloft disagreeable lighthouse keeper. Walsh tells J.P. he must keep a light on at all times and that Nora (Rachel Riley) a woman J.P. sees is not real. A swelled river with treacherous rapids keeps the non-swimming J.P. from leaving...and the phone doesn't work. Strange things happen when the lights go out and with Nora. We get an explanation about an hour into the film. Note the small photo of Poe on the mantle about that same time.
The few CG effects were not good. Maybe some stock footage of a boat near shore Wood (sic) have worked better. Never got into the characters as the plot mystery outweighed all else. Walsh was able to spout grim metaphors, as some of the language appears to come from Poe, while Nora's language appears more modern. Once the mystery is solved, the film becomes grossly anti-climatic.
Guide: No swearing. No nudity. One sex scene.
Better than expected!
redwolf28386-893-902628 January 2023
I was pleasantly surprised by this movie. My son suggested it and since it was a rainy Sunday I decided to watch it. At first I was skeptical but as I continued watching I started to really get engrossed in it, It was a great suggestion by my son. While it won't win an Oscar it's definitely worth watching and I can easily see a possible remake or sequel in the future. . . .The effects are pretty good, and the mood and tone is creepy, my wife jumped at few of scenes, plus just being alone on a lighthouse is even to make you jump at a unusual sound, the acting is pretty good-better than some big budget films out recently give it a try!
There have been better Poe's, but other than this one, not recently.
mark.waltz15 July 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I wasn't fully satisfied with this version of the Edgar Allan Poe short story (which I've never read or seen on screen before), but for the most part, I found this someone enjoyable. It really helps that there is a limited number of people in the cast and for the most part, the director and production designer do not overwhelm the audience with grossness or unnecessary sexual content, outside of one scene.
I found the handsome Matt O'Neill to be an interesting anti-hero (the type of role that Jack Nicholson played in the '60s American International Poe films), and Vernon Wells subtly and properly grizzled in a way that Vincent Price would have made a scenery chewing treat. Rachel Reilly seemed far too modern in her performance as the apparition that O'Neill sees. The ending overdoes the stylish nature, and along with the sexual dream O'Neill has seem rather gratuitous. But compared to other films I've seen made from the 1980's on up, this one is probably the best Poe adaption, and that doesn't bode well on how he is viewed.
I found the handsome Matt O'Neill to be an interesting anti-hero (the type of role that Jack Nicholson played in the '60s American International Poe films), and Vernon Wells subtly and properly grizzled in a way that Vincent Price would have made a scenery chewing treat. Rachel Reilly seemed far too modern in her performance as the apparition that O'Neill sees. The ending overdoes the stylish nature, and along with the sexual dream O'Neill has seem rather gratuitous. But compared to other films I've seen made from the 1980's on up, this one is probably the best Poe adaption, and that doesn't bode well on how he is viewed.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
