Film criticism has evolved significantly over time. In the past, critics had no hesitation about revealing the entire plot of a movie, even before its opening weekend. The assumption was that readers engaging with the critique were already interested in the details of the film. Back then, watching movies was a more casual experience; audiences could purchase a ticket and enter a theater at any point during the film, catching trailers, newsreels, and maybe even the first half of a movie they had already seen.
Today, however, audiences are more protective of their viewing experience and wish to avoid spoilers. This is understandable, especially in an age where nearly all knowledge is readily accessible at our fingertips. As a result, it’s become common courtesy for critics to refrain from divulging significant plot details, allowing viewers to experience the film independently.
This brings us to “Caddo Lake,” a compelling film where much of the plot is shrouded in secrecy according to promotional materials. This secrecy presents a challenge when critiquing the film in a timely manner, as even mentioning its genre is discouraged. The restrictiveness of the information available forces a review to focus more on general observations rather than specifics.
What can be shared is that “Caddo Lake” stars Dylan O’Brien and Eliza Scanlen, set around Caddo Lake, which straddles Texas and Louisiana. O’Brien portrays Paris, a worker who cleans debris from the lake while grappling with the traumatic loss of his mother. Scanlen plays Ellie, a girl struggling with her family dynamics, particularly with her mother and stepfather, after her birth father vanished years ago. Despite her family’s challenges, Ellie shares a loving bond with her young stepsister, Anna.
The narrative takes a turn when Anna goes missing, leading to an unfolding mystery that the audience must discover for themselves.
Critiquing the film while maintaining this level of mystery is challenging. However, it can be noted that “Caddo Lake” presents a layered narrative that engages with profound themes and offers a satisfying exploration of character relationships. The revelations within the film lead to important questions, all of which are addressed in an articulate manner. The film, directed and written by Logan George and Celine Held, is well-structured and skillfully developed.
At the heart of “Caddo Lake” are complex relationships that deepen as the characters interact, revealing insights into their lives marked by loss and emotional struggles. This exploration of human connection stands out as the film’s focal point. Instead of merely solving a mystery, it seeks to understand the motivations and emotions driving the characters’ actions.
Dylan O’Brien delivers a solid performance, but Eliza Scanlen particularly shines, portraying a character from a seemingly familiar background who makes unique choices that set her apart. Scanlen displays a remarkable ability to convey her character’s thoughts and emotions through subtle actions rather than dialogue, showcasing her as a skilled actress.
The film concludes with a message that ties together its intricate plot, ultimately revealing that it is centered on the themes of human connection and the consequences of those connections becoming strained. While it contains thrilling elements, “Caddo Lake” excels as a serious drama, eliciting profound emotions of love, loss, and resilience that linger long after the film ends.
“Caddo Lake” is currently available for streaming on Max.