The truth lies beneath|Oct. 01, 2020|Ireland | Canada|92 Min.|TV-MA
Genre: Drama;Thriller
Description: **The Winter Lake (2020) Movie Overview**
**Plot Summary:**
When Holly’s dark secret is accidentally uncovered by her emotionally unstable neighbor Tom, they are drawn into a violent confrontation with her father, who will stop at nothing to keep the truth concealed.
Set in the damp and dreary countryside of Ireland, this somber thriller begins with a chilling discovery: Tom, a troubled teenager, finds a sack in a shallow lake containing the remains of a human infant. The lake lies on the property of a decrepit farmhouse where Tom has recently moved with his mother, Elaine. Their strained relationship and Tom’s troubled past are hinted at as the reason for their relocation.
Their new beginning takes a darker turn when they meet their neighbors: Ward, a gruff farmer, and his teenage daughter Holly. Holly, played by Emma Mackey of *Sex Education* fame, maintains her Irish accent well but is given little room to shine in this role. Both families harbor their own secrets, and tensions rise as Tom’s withdrawn nature contrasts with Holly’s seemingly friendly overtures. However, her true intentions become clear when she discovers the sack of bones in Tom’s possession.
As the story unfolds, the atmosphere grows increasingly claustrophobic, with trust and genuine affection in short supply. The film’s cinematography and haunting score contribute to the tension, but the limited cast and predictable plot twists result in an underwhelming resolution. While the movie shows potential, it struggles to find its footing between a grounded rural drama and a full-fledged horror story.
Cast director: Phil Sheerin
Cast actor: Anson Boon, Charlie Murphy, Emma Mackey, Michael McElhatton, Mark McKenna, Jordan McGuinness, Mark Duffy, Maria McDermottroe, Penelope Robinson, Conor Hamill
Original name: The Winter Lake