Beneath

Beneath is a horror-thriller movie released in 2013, directed by Larry Fessenden. The intriguing movie features rising stars Bonnie Dennison, Daniel Zovatto, and Jon Orsini in lead roles. This cinematic piece uses tension, human nature, and suspense mixed with the natural aquatic setting to create a captivating story that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats, infusing them with thrill and excitement.

The plot gyres around a group of high school friends who, just after their graduation, decide to mark this turning point of their lives with a day’s adventure. The sextet faces the grim reality away from their insular high school life during their trip to the remote Black Lake, their favorite hangout during childhood. Against their better judgment, they resurrect an old rowboat for one last journey to the middle of the lake before their diverse life paths take them to different cities. However, one thing they are unaware of is that there are secrets hidden beneath the lake. The mystical Black Lake, with its encompassing dense forest and serene surroundings, takes an ominous turn and becomes a nightmare for the reveling group.

Bonnie Dennison beautifully portrays the character of Deb, a level-headed overachiever set for college, grappling with her unsaid feelings for Johnny, played by Daniel Zovatto, the most popular guy in school. Jon Orsini brings to life the character of Simon, Johnny's dorky, science-obsessed younger brother. The sterling performances of Dennison, Zovatto, and Orsini, as well as the other members of the group, create an almost palpable tension as their trip swiftly escalates from veiled unease into a harrowing fight for survival.

The escalating unease is perfectly mirrored in the cinematography. The picturesque beauty of the lake slowly shifts, showing the lake's darker, more sinister aspects as the group's dire situation becomes clearer. Fessenden brilliantly exploits the natural surroundings to intensify the stark contrast between their insouciant approach to the trip and the grim reality that awaits them.

Beneath reveals an uncanny fusion of horror, drama, suspense, and psychological exploration. The brilliant interplay between horror elements and human psychology offers a critique of human nature and society. How does the veneer of civilization peel away when individuals are thrown into life-and-death situations? What emerges when the characters are faced with their deep-seated fears and the stark need for self-preservation? The main thrust of "Beneath" is to explore these profound questions.

The lake monster is an essential component of the movie, but it's the interactions among the characters that play a more prominent role in creating suspense and horror. The six friends are not just fighting a creature from the deep; they're also fighting their deep-rooted fears, doubts, and betrayals that slowly surface as they frantically try to escape the ordeal.

Beneath also showcases the power of narrative storytelling, primarily through Simon, who continues to document their terrifying adventure, revealing insights into human nature, fear, and survival instincts. This adds a nuanced level to the plot by showing the viewer a different perspective on the unfolding events.

Overall, Beneath delivers a layered horror story and significantly benefits from nuanced performances, a tightly-knit script, and thoughtful direction. It is not just a horror flick, but an exploration of human nature in the face of adversity. It delves into societal pressures, friendship, betrayal, and the ugly face of survival instincts, making it a perfect watch for those who are looking for an intense psychological horror-thriller that goes beyond the classic monster-under-the-bed narrative. This film, with its chilling climax and thought-provoking underpinnings, reaffirms Larry Fessenden's status as a master storyteller in the horror genre.