Lake of Death – The dødes tjern (2019)

Directed by: Nini Bull Robsahm | 94 minutes | drama, horror | Actors: Iben Akerlie, Jakob Schøyen Andersen, Sophia Lie, Elias Munk, Jonathan Harboe, Ulric von der Esch, Patrick Walshe McBride

When the inspiration runs out, the past offers a solution. That must have been Nini Bull Robsahm’s thought when this filmmaker decided to recreate the Norwegian cult classic ‘De Dødes Tjern’ from 1958. This remake has moved into the modern era and is obviously influenced by American slashers. It has resulted in an anonymous horror film that cannot match the original. In fact, few souls will be won with this tasteless uniform sausage.

In ‘De Dødes Tjern’ – here called ‘Lake Of Death’ – it revolves around a group of friends. These young people decide to travel to an old cabin to say goodbye to Lillian’s twin brother Bjørn. This boy died there under mysterious circumstances. A year after his death, Lillian and his friends commemorate him at his place of death. Bad idea, because the cabin is cursed!

In 1958 the idea of ​​a cursed cabin was still fresh and original, but hundreds of (American) slashers later it is a chewed-out concept. Beginning director Nini Bull Robsahm fails to breathe life into this story you’ve seen under a different title a hundred times. In addition, Robsahm uses an unreliable narrator. Can Lillian be trusted and are her visions real or madness? The answer is predictable.

The grand plot twist at the end of this film is therefore by no means special or impressive. In addition, the story that is told is very standard. Movies like ‘Evil Dead’ or ‘Cabin Fever’ did that much earlier and better. The Norwegian folklore that serves as a source of inspiration for a few creepy moments is Americanized and that’s a shame. A glossy look has been chosen, which cancels out the Norwegian background of this slasher. Flat characters, weak acting and uninspired death scenes: yawn!

A shame, because there would have been more residents here. ‘Lake Of Death’ was a pioneer in 1958, but this remake can be called a follower. Unnecessary movie.