Lore stands proudly on the foundation of classic horror films, but moves beyond them to encapsulate a new space, making its own waves in the horror world.
Directors: James Bushe, Patrick Michael Ryder & Greig Johnson
Genre: Horror, Anthology
Run Time: 92′
UK Release: August 26, 2024 (Icon Film Channel); September 27, 2024 (select cinemas); October 21, 2024 (Digital Download)
US Release: TBA
Where to Watch: in cinemas & VOD
“Who’s ready to exorcise their demons?”
In Lore, directors James Bushe, Patrick Michael Ryder, and Greig Johnson craft an anthology film that holds on to classic horror tropes, but still has plenty of originality and fright to hold its own. The segments are connected by a primary narrative: in “The Campfire,” four thrill-seeking friends who arrange a ghostly excursion. Their guide for the night, played by a haunting and captivating Richard Brake (Barbarian), invites them to tell the scariest story they could think of, and the real-life implications of their campfire tales are darker than the group realizes.
As with most anthology films, there are weaker segments and stronger segments. Lore has some weak moments in which the writing is too derivative of horror tropes and the acting is subpar, but the overall creativity and execution involved throughout is great. Each of the four segments function as a paean to horror subgenres. In other horror anthologies like V/H/S/85, the segments are stuck in one subgenre and tied together loosely by subtle hints, but in Lore, the primary narrative lends to a dynamic variety for the stories its characters tell. It serves as a more anchored film than many anthologies. Lore’s alien story, “Shadows,” is particularly phenomenal, with great acting and an unpredictable twist. “The Hidden Woman” is Lore’s haunted house story, and while it may be the weakest, it also offers some of the most creative cinematography in the film.
Lore’s cult story “Cross Your Heart,” however, is the best the film has to offer. It exults in striking, original imagery that evokes The Blair Witch Project and Midsommar while still maintaining a complete separation from its predecessors. It features perhaps the best acting in the film, and ultimately attempts to teach a moral lesson in the process. This is hinted at in the dialogue around the campfire following the story, and it seems that the directors wanted to highlight it along with other classic aspects of horror cinema.
Unfortunately, Lore is not edited well at times. There are offbeat moments and scenes that seem too short or rushed as far as footage goes. Some scenes overstay their welcome; others are welcome but hasty. This may have been an attempt to throw viewers into a frenzy of uncertainty or panic, but I mostly found it tacky and distracting. Despite this, however, the movie has a strong cast and cinematography.
Lore is proof that low-budget indie horror is alive and well, and it deserves to be among horror lovers’ favorite watches this year. It’s relentless in fright and at times, overbearably gory. It stands proudly on the foundation of classic horror films such as The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Alien but moves beyond them to encapsulate a new space, making its own waves in the horror world.
The film boasts a self-awareness that horror fans will find enjoyable. The final segment, “The Keychain Man,” takes place in a movie theater. While it bears the most stomach-churning moments in the 90-minute watch, it also dwells in horror easter eggs and ‘80s slasher tropes. It’s one of those experiences when you want to look away but your eyes are glued to the screen.
The ending of “The Campfire” is a jaw-dropping reveal with strong potential for more to be unmasked in the Lore universe. The movie’s title is quite fitting for a project bent on reinventing the past lore of the horror genre while emphasizing the beauties and dangers of storytelling. In a deeper, more profound way, it claims that telling stories is how we face our fears. It’s how we see the truth and reconcile with our own personal demons. Lore is a great film that could have used better acting and editing at times, but it drives its message home: the stories we tell might be more powerful than we think.
Lore will be available to watch on the Icon Film Channel from August 26, in select UK Cinemas from September 27 and then on Digital Download from October 21, 2024. Read our reviews of horror anthology movies The Killers, Scare Us, and Fear Street Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3!
