The Lighthouse

The Lighthouse, a 2019 movie notable for its unique artistic prowess, is a psychological horror film that unfolds in resplendent grandeur, making any attempt at classification irrelevant. Black and white, ominous, and marked by exceptional performances from Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe, the film is as much historical period piece as it is a daring exploration of the human psyche and existential dread. Expertly helmed by Robert Eggers, who made his name in horror with the critically acclaimed The Witch, he once again proves his ability to infuse his work with a certain gravitas, lurking dread, and enigma that resonates throughout the film.

Set in the late 1800s on an isolated island off the coast of New England enveloped in inclement weather, The Lighthouse pivots on two lighthouse keepers. Ephraim Winslow, played by Robert Pattinson, is a former timberman starting his one-month task maintaining a lighthouse alongside his superior, grizzled veteran seaman Thomas Wake, portrayed by Willem Dafoe. The vast majority of the movie is focused almost entirely on these two characters, between whom tensions simmer and increasingly boil over as they struggle with loneliness, tension, and confrontations with their inner demons.

This film is shot in a unique 4:3 aspect ratio, predominantly in black and white, further encapsulating the oppressive close-quarters of the lighthouse and contributing to the audience's visceral sense of claustrophobia. The cinematography by Jarin Blaschke is a standout, crafting an enthralling visual narrative steeped in shades of grey, visually echoing both the characters' internal chaos and the external tempest. Eggers leaves no stone unturned in crafting an immersive world that goes beyond visual storytelling. This extends to the sound design where every whine of the wind, every crashing wave, and squawk of the seagull is crisp and palpable, aiding in creating a tension-riddled ambiance.

Both Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe submit fantastic performances brimming with intensity. With deeply engaging dialogues characterized by seafaring vernacular of the era and poetic fervor, both actors convey an authentic sense of period believability while also mastering the demanding verbal duels. Dafoe particularly stands out with his character’s crusty sea-dog demeanor and powerful monologues, while Pattinson impressively shoulders his character's descent into paranoia and madness. Their dynamic is complex, filled with power plays, camaraderie, and disgust, making every scene between them crackle with energy and tension.

Without giving much away, it's safe to say The Lighthouse's narrative arcs and visual symbolism trail towards the supernatural, alluding to myth, lore, and mankind's eternal struggle with nature. Isolation, power, guilt, truth, and illusions, all vie for dominance in the narrative soup. The existential dread of the film is marked by many chilling and uncomfortable sequences that are as mystifying as they are horrifying, continuously treading the line between reality and hallucination.

Having The Lighthouse in your viewing repertoire means grappling with an intense piece of cinema. While it may not cater to those who only prefer a more straightforward narrative, it is a cinematic jewel for movie aficionados who appreciate moody atmosphere, detailed period settings, and the sort of in-depth character study that lingers long after the credits roll.

Whether you find The Lighthouse detestable or a masterpiece largely depends on how you prefer your storytelling served. Cryptic, dense, disturbing yet undeniably hypnotic, The Lighthouse is Eggers’ stylistic triumph of creating a nightmare both metaphorical and literal, one that's decorated by exceptional craftmanship and striking unforgettable performances. Pattinson’s and Dafoe’s stellar act in this eerie narrative ballet of madness rooted in lore and Freudian undertones is an extraordinary display of acting prowess. The film, thus, is an experience more than just a watch, much like braving a storm – an immersive, tumultuous, and ultimately unforgettable ride.