Marco Pigossi

Bone Lake (2024): Small Cast, Short Runtime, Scareless Movie

Posted on by Jack Drees

“Bone Lake” is directed by Mercedes Bryce Morgan (Fixation, Five Points) and stars Maddie Hasson (Twisted, Malignant), Alex Roe (The 5th Wave, Hot Summer Nights), Andra Nechita (Inhumans, Matlock), and Marco Pigossi (High Tide, Gen V). This film centers around a couple whose vacation is interrupted when another couple shows up at the house where they happen to be staying, and eventually thwart them into a string of mind games and manipulation.

My exposure to “Bone Lake” before checking out the film last month in theaters was minimal. On top of reviews and posters, the little online marketing I happened to see, appeared to tap into the movie’s sensual nature. There is a saying that sex sells, and it seems to have sold me.

But good marketing does not automatically guarantee a solid flick, and a solid flick “Bone Lake” is not. Is this movie broken? No. In fact, it starts off quite well. It introduces a couple who arrive at their vacation rental, enjoy some intimate moments together, only to find out that they supposedly booked the house the same weekend as another couple. Okay, maybe the filmmaker really enjoyed “Barbarian,” which starts off in almost the same way. Although this film starts off with four characters getting into a conflict rather than two. I cannot blame them for taking inspiration from one of the decade’s best horror films.

Around the first 10, 20 minutes, I was onboard. It introduces both couples and puts them in a situation that neither of them want to be a part of, but they make do. Once the film gets into its first act of backstabbing, that’s where this Jenga tower starts to loosen, and eventually, topple. And it is sad, because backstabbing and a lack of trust seems to take center stage for a majority of the film’s runtime.

The film sometimes feels tonally inconsistent. Do not get me wrong, I can obviously claim that this is a horror flick, and I have a strong feeling most people would agree with me for that assessment. But the characters have this grounded nature to them, but they progressively evolve into personalities that can be found in a Saturday morning cartoon, either through their general tone, or their backstories.

I did not think I would be bringing up an old GEICO commercial during this review. That said, for those of you who remember the ad with the voiceover, “If you’re in a horror movie, you make poor decisions, it’s what you do,” I thought about that ad at least once or twice while watching this movie, because there are some choices the characters make that had me wondering about their IQ. Maybe it is unfair of me to say this because I am not a character in the film and rather someone observing them, but as this movie progressed, I could not help but wonder why the main couple would not simply try to leave at the first sign of trouble. When it comes to brainwashing, these two seem to be fairly easy targets. For those of you who watch the “Pitch Meeting” sketches on YouTube, you’ll understand… There are certain moments that take place throughout the story for what appears to be only one reason. That reason being, “so the movie can happen.”

There is a decent movie somewhere in “Bone Lake.” It has plenty of flaws, no doubt. It could be scarier. The characters could be written better. But I will admit that I liked some of the production design. The locations were not bad. Some of the camerawork is creative. And even though the movie does not progress fantastically, it does start off with a pinch of intrigue. The tone appears balanced at first, only for said balance to fizzle over time. I probably would have liked this movie more if it constructed its characters like they are human beings, rather than cartoons or puppets.

The film also builds up its main couple rather well. After all they are on vacation, they’re alone, so of course, they have sex. The film does a good job at establishing how Diego and Sage feel about their relationship from a sexual perspective. It shows the divide the two seem to have in that regard, and while there are some elements of the movie that topple, that is one that works with time. This is especially true when considering the tension and rivalry that tends to build between Diego and Sage and the other couple, Will and Cin.

There is a saying that a bad ending can ruin a good movie. In the case of “Bone Lake,” the opposite is true. This film, as explained, is not my favorite of the year. But what happens in the last scene is satisfying and also does a good job at fulfilling a certain part of the movie that was heavily built up. I wish I could explain it, but the film does end on a rather satisfying note that if I were to dive into it any further would mean I would have to drop enormous spoilers. This does not mean I am recommending the film, it just means the ending is clever despite the project’s other flaws.

This is a film that gets crazier and crazier as it goes along, but not exactly in a good way. If anything it kind of reminds me of “Argylle” where the story becomes more annoying with each reveal or twist. By the time the film enters the third act, a part of me wanted to tune out. Then again, part of me sees half of this film as a fun watch with drinks perhaps. I do not drink alcohol, but I can see this as a film where one can invite some friends, get schnockered, and let the fun begin. Whether this is a positive or a negative, I will let you be the judge. Despite this movie featuring two main couples and having a name that is a double entendre, I unfortunately cannot say this is the best date movie. Also, despite this movie trying to go for a tense, eerie rivalry between two couples, I unfortunately cannot say this is the best horror flick. This is not scary, not interesting. Honestly, it is rather forgettable. With a 94 minute runtime, the film is short, but it is certainly not sweet.

© 2025 – Bleeker Street

In the end, “Bone Lake” doesn’t satisfy. Are there building blocks for a good movie? Sure. But at best, this film feels middle of the road. It is a well-crafted and polished-looking film for what it is, but I wish I liked the characters and story a lot more. I was engaged in the beginning, but the film lost me around act two and kept me unplugged in act three. If you want to see a better horror movie involving a double-booking at a vacation rental, just go watch “Barbarian.” I am going to give “Bone Lake” a 4/10.

“Bone Lake” is now available to rent or buy on VOD.

Thanks for reading this review! My next review is going to be for “A House of Dynamite!” Stay tuned! Also coming soon, I will be sharing my thoughts on “The Smashing Machine,” “Shelby Oaks,” “Frankenstein,” and “Good Fortune.” If you want to see these reviews and more from Scene Before, follow the blog either with an email or WordPress account! Also, check out the official Facebook page! I want to know, did you see “Bone Lake?” What did you think about it? Or, did you see “Barbarian?” What did you think about that movie? Let me know down below! Scene Before is your click to the flicks!

High Tide (2024): A Refreshingly Lovely Trip to Provincetown

Posted on by Jack Drees

Before we begin this review, you may notice that compared to some of my other reviews, this one is not exactly as visually heavy or varied as some of my others. That is because this film is technically not out yet. I got to see it at South by Southwest this year, at which point there were no trailers or marketing for the film. That is still the case now. So if this post looks jarring, that is because I am working with what’s available. With that said, enjoy the review.

“High Tide” is written and directed by Marco Calvani (A Better Half, The View from Up Here) and stars Marco Pigossi as Lourenço. In this slice of life drama, a queer undocumented Brazilian immigrant living in Provincetown, Massachusetts questions his purpose.

I am a proud Bay Stater. I was born in Melrose, Massachusetts, grew up one town north in Wakefield, went to college in Newton, and currently work in Boston. I also enjoy the occasional trip to Dunkin’, a good ballgame at Fenway, and a fine round of candlepin bowling. Despite living in the Bay State all these years, I have probably been to Cape Cod maybe six times in my life. The last time being 2015. While that may be more than some people, this is something I consider to be a weak spot of mine as a New Englander given how big of a destination it is to some people around here. Safe to say, I have never visited Provincetown. This brings up my first, and perhaps biggest positive of “High Tide,” this movie practically took me on a vacation.

The overall look of “High Tide” is stunning. There is almost no other way to put it. Obviously, Provincetown is a beachy area at the tip of Massachusetts, so there is no doubt it is going to look nice. Getting pristine shots of a town by the water can sometimes be a layup, but everything in the frame felt completely atmospheric. From the opening shot of the film, I thought I was in the middle of the ocean. It practically commands your attention and begs you not to look away. At times I felt like I was on the beach. I was in the middle of town. I was feeling a calm breeze. Each location delivered a great mix of immersion and beauty. If I had to point out one thing though, sometimes the imagery looked a little darker than I anticipated. I watched the film in a theater I have never been to before so for all I know it could have been the quality of the projector. But it does not change the fact that what was on screen enchanted yours truly from start to finish.

Genre-wise, “High Tide” is best described as a romantic drama. It is wholeheartedly serious from start to finish, but there is an endless pinch of innocence in its storytelling. Even when dealing with heavier issues, there is always a sense of lightheartedness in the background. Never once does the film sway too far in one direction or the other, nor do the tones clash to the point where everything feels overdone. And it feels weird to say that the movie feels lighthearted, but it does. Because the reality of the film is that it centers around a man who is dealing with extravagant issues. Many great protagonists have their obstacles, and Lourenço is no exception. His visa is about to expire. He has a distant lover. But even when these issues are brought into the fray, the film delivers a calming vibe that fails to escape my mind. In fact, if I had a critique to name, if you can call it one, I would almost argue the film is almost too light given what it deals with sometimes. But a positive experience is a positive experience. I like to feel good. Who doesn’t? I am not complaining all that much.

But perhaps one of the big reasons why my mind is in a state of calm within a sea of troubles, kind of like our protagonist at times, is the romance he has with a character by the name of Maurice, played by James Bland. This is my first James Bland anything. Movie, TV show, you name it. I hope to see him in more material soon because he knocks his performance out of the park. I doubt Bland is going to win any Oscars, but there is a subtlety to his presence, his actions. There is something about his time on screen that emits perfection.

The reality is, when it comes to movies heavily revolving around romance, if the chemistry does not click between the two leads, then it is difficult for me to buy into their relationship. Maybe even root for them. Shoutout to “Anyone But You” for breaking my brain several months ago. Although in terms of chemistry, this movie hit the jackpot. There is a simple moment with these two in a bedroom right next to each other that brought forth such a charming vibe out of both of these characters. Marco Pigossi and James Bland work individually, but when put together, they bring out the best in each other. Of course, these are also two physically attractive men, so I am sure that helped certain scenes to some degree.

However, I wonder how well this film will actually do by the time it comes out. The film is very well done. It is a stellar feature debut from Marco Calvani. In fact, the only actor I could tell you I knew who they were before going to see this movie was Marisa Tomei, who also serves as an executive producer. By the way, she does a good job in this film. The reality is there are not many recognizable names. The names do not need to be big for me to get in the door, but I understand this reality is not the same for everyone. So it is my duty as someone who saw this film to tell you that it is worth watching when it comes out. It is a film that based on my experience, definitely handles serious topics, but it did so in such a way that failed to make me feel overly awful or icky. Even when things where tough in the forefront, there is a sense of joy in the background. As a slice of life picture, “High Tide” is completely watchable and worth your time.

As I said in the start of this review, one of “High Tide’s” strengths is its ability to take me somewhere beautiful. In this case, Provincetown. But when you consider the phenomenal chemistry between the two leads, the overall vibe of the picture, and how our characters handle their situations, sometimes it goes to show that it is not about the destination, it is the journey. And as far as the journey goes, the movie certainly delivers a fine one.

In the end, “High Tide” is probably not going to be the movie I will hail as this year’s top dog, but it is one that I am glad I went out of my way to see at South by Southwest this year. It deals with several tones in such a way where nothing feels tangled or overwhelming. The cinematography is immaculate. The story and characters are a delight. I have no idea when this movie is going to have a wide release, but whenever it comes out, I recommend giving it a watch. I am going to give “High Tide” a 7/10.

“High Tide” premiered at South by Southwest this past March. No official future release date or schedule has been given.

Thanks for reading this review! My next review is going to be for “Kung Fu Panda 4.” I love the “Kung Fu Panda” franchise. The first two movies are honestly some of the best creations to have ever been put out by DreamWorks Animation. I watched the first one incessantly as a child. I think the second film could possibly be better. I think of the first three movies, the trilogy capper is easily the weakest. So how will this fourth installment fare? We shall see. If you want to see this and more from Scene Before, follow the blog either with an email or WordPress account! Also, check out the official Facebook page! I want to know, did you see “High Tide?” What did you think about it? Or, did you go to South by Southwest this year? Tell me about your experience! Let me know down below! Scene Before is your click to the flicks!