The Lighthouse (2019) is a psychological horror film directed by Robert Eggers, starring Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson. It is a gripping, atmospheric tale set in the late 19th century, following two lighthouse keepers stranded on a remote island as they descend into madness.
Review:
The film excels in its haunting cinematography, shot in stark black and white with a 1.19:1 aspect ratio, enhancing its claustrophobic and eerie tone. The sound design is equally unsettling, with crashing waves, howling winds, and a relentless foghorn intensifying the feeling of isolation.
Willem Dafoe delivers a mesmerizing performance as the grizzled, superstitious Thomas Wake, while Robert Pattinson impresses as the tormented Ephraim Winslow, whose sanity gradually unravels. Their interactions oscillate between camaraderie, tension, and outright hostility, making every scene unpredictable.
Eggers masterfully blends psychological horror with folklore and Lovecraftian elements, leaving much open to interpretation. Is the descent into madness fueled by supernatural forces, or merely the result of isolation and paranoia? The film’s ambiguity and surreal imagery—especially the mythological symbolism—add to its eerie mystique.
While The Lighthouse isn’t for everyone due to its slow pace and abstract storytelling, it’s a visually stunning, thematically rich, and deeply unsettling cinematic experience. Fans of atmospheric horror and psychological thrillers will find it unforgettable.
Rating: 9/10
