Lake George Review: Darkly Comic Crime Adventure

Lake George blends dark comedy with crime thriller elements as Shea Whigham and Carrie Coon plot against mobsters in an offbeat L.A. noir adventure.

But rather than simply going along with the job, Don and Phyllis hatch a daring plan to turn the tables and run off with the mob’s money. What follows is a wild, often funny, and surprisingly heartwarming journey into crime and consequence.

The film starts with Don at rock bottom, jobless, and with little hope. Whigham embodies the role with ease, creating a character who feels both gritty and relatable, someone whose weariness resonates from the moment he appears on screen. Lake George doesn’t just present Don as a typical anti-hero; it frames him as a man caught between his desperation and his conscience, a reluctant criminal whose humanity sets him apart from the archetype. Instead, his hesitation humanizes him, reminding us that he’s as much a victim of his circumstances as anyone else in this twisted world.

What’s unexpected, however, is the comedic twist Reiner brings to this setup. It injects a humor that feels both dark and refreshing, keeping us on our toes and showing a side of L.A. crime we’re not used to seeing. Whigham and Coon are key to this tonal success, as their chemistry takes over the screen and turns each scene into a playful exchange that softens the film’s darker themes.

Carrie Coon’s Phyllis is more than just a femme fatale; she’s cunning and clever, with a clear agenda and an energy that sparks off Whigham’s more subdued Don. Together, they form a dynamic duo that brings the heart of Lake George to life. Their quick-witted exchanges and perfectly timed banter add a layer of unexpected lightness to the plot, giving the film its dark comedy edge. Watching them collaborate to outwit anyone that opposes them is as entertaining as it is suspenseful, and they’re a pair you genuinely want to root for despite their dubious goals.

Yet while Don and Phyllis shine, the film falls slightly flat with Armen. As the mob boss pulling the strings, Armen feels more like a shadow in the background than a looming threat. Fleshler brings his usual grit to the role, but there’s a lack of menace in his portrayal, which weakens the stakes a bit. One can’t help but wish for a more intimidating presence from the character, one that would amplify the tension between him and Don. Instead, Armen becomes a secondary player, a choice that feels like a missed opportunity for heightening the story’s suspense.

On top of that, Reiner also seems to struggle with wrapping up this crime-filled escapade. While the film’s sharp humor and engaging plot build a solid foundation, the ending feels like it’s searching for direction. Rather than delivering a punchy conclusion to Don and Phyllis’s high-stakes gamble, the film seems torn between two paths, never quite committing to either. 

Even so, Lake George stands out as an entertaining and refreshing take on the crime thriller, offering a mix of dark humor and high-stakes action that keeps you engaged from start to finish. Whigham and Coon make a memorable duo, carrying the film with their magnetic chemistry and layered performances. For anyone craving a crime caper that’s as funny as it is tense, Lake George delivers a thrilling, offbeat journey through the heart of L.A.’s criminal underworld—even if it stumbles at the finish line.

Lake George will be released in US theaters and on digital platforms on December 6, 2024.