9 Reviews
4/10
A mystery not well written,
lhutcherson128 June 2024
This movie plot might have been good if it had been crafted better. It had a lot of good elements, but the pieces just did not fit together in a plausible way and convincing manner.

Many inconsistencies and some stupid liberties were taken during the making of this movie.

Minka Kelly is an absolutely gorgeous woman, but her role was severely flawed. However, I quite enjoyed watching her, even though the realism was badly impaired.

Even worse than the spooky nonsense was the lame love plot. Also, there was a murder for no particularly good reason.

In general, the character motivations were very poorly played.

The script was bad, the direction was substandard, and the dialog was unconvincing.

Other than that, the production quality was reasonably good.
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3/10
Generic, run of the mill...
iamtherobotman1 July 2024
Warning: Spoilers
This started off fairly promising, but very quickly got lost amongst the hundreds of other...

'Oh, you once suffered from a mental illness which has since cleared up, but lets all try to make you feel as though you're losing your mind again.' genre of 'Horror'.

It's another one of these lazy, over used tropes that film makers love to fall back on when desperately trying to get a film made. It's no doubt seen as a reliable source of income for film studios, and that's partially what's wrong with the film industry today - everything is all too familiar and borrows from a dozen other films.

I have to say, the acting in this isn't great either. The times our protagonist is out driving at night and checking her rear view mirror are so OTT. If you have to turn your head the way she was, in order to check your mirror, then you have to stop and set it correctly.

I shall file this under 'Must try better', as potential was there, but it was never going to be realised.
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4/10
weak and then a mess
SnoopyStyle2 July 2024
Cass (Minka Kelly) is driving home in a stormy night down the isolated Blackwater Lane. She sees a car parked on the side of the road, but she does not stop for the distressed female driver. The lady is later found murdered. She starts encountering disturbing visions, but her husband Matthew (Dermot Mulroney) insists that it's all in her head. She had suffered mental issues following her mother's death. Rachel (Maggie Grace) is her friend. DC Lawson (Natalie Simpson) is investigating the murder.

First of all, she should never stop in that situation. There is no shame in that. If it's sunny daylight and nobody else is around, then it would be a bit callous. Somehow, these three American actors got stuck in a bland British murder mystery ghost story. The story has only a few possible explanations and I never really cared that much about which one. It does a poor job with one path while it pushes too hard on another path. I am fine with the ultimate reveal, but it's not done well. The last act is a mess.
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2/10
The Book Is ALWAYS Better!!!
erinwojcicki25 June 2024
I HIGHLY suggest you read the book 'The Breakdown' by B. A. Paris. This movie was made off of that book. And when I say the book is SO SO SO much better, it truly is!

I'm so disappointed in this film. It left so many things out that made you wonder where the heck they came up with some things. So many holes in the plot!

I was so excited to see that this book was made into a film bc B. A. Paris is my favorite author. Now I'm just embarrassed for her at what they did to her incredible book. I couldn't put her book down. This film...? I was bored and disappointed. PLEASE read her book instead of watching this film!!! You won't be disappointed!!
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3/10
Let me spoil this...not a haunted movie
Silicone5424 June 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Cass is driving home late one rainy night. She sees a stopped car on the side off of Blackwater Lane. She slows down to see the figure of a woman in the drivers side. She continues to peer at the car for bit but drives off. Next morning she hears the news of a possible female murder victim on Blackwater Lane. When confronted with a police visit regarding her being a possible witness to a crime Cass is feeling unsure of herself. We learn Cass suffers from hereditary mental issues. She is confused as these events and the details don't math up to her reality.

The director is pushing hard to create a full on amnesia twist in this movie. The methods are heavy handed as it appears everyone has a different truth than what Cass believes. The simple fact is this movie is nothing more than a Lifetime Channel love triangle with revenge thrown in. Cass' husband is banging her best friend Rachel. They were found out by Jane (dead woman). Jane's husband Alex suspects Jane was having an affair. Matt a co-worker wants to hit it with Cass. Andrew a student in one of Cass's literary class has a crush on her. The massive mansion Cass inherited once belonged to Rachel's family. Ultimately, its Rachel orchestrating every plot, scare tactics, evidence, lies etc because she's mad at Cass for owning her family's home. All these extra subplots serve to obfuscate the audience.

The first 10 minutes were ok but it reveals itself to be some adult version of any Scream movie. At least with Scream its ok to laugh at the ridiculous comedy. This movie tried to be serious even though its burdened with all the idiocy found in Scream.

Minka Kelly is still gorgeous to look at but her acting is pretty bad. Maggie Grace playing Rachel was given maybe 5 real lines in the movie but she outshone Minka in every scene they were in. Its a dreadful movie given the expectations. Might have scored higher if billed as a Lifetime thriller. I can't recommend this even if you're a Minkia KIelly fan.
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7/10
Terror? C'mon
phildeesnow23 June 2024
It's not a spoiler, I'm just doing you are favor, it's not horror, there's nothing scary, there are no jump scares or idiotic CGI.

It's a mystery movie and it could be suspenseful, but not the white knuckles type. More like the brainy kind.

At one point it seems like a Scooby Doo episode but longer, way longer and not as silly.

It's not convoluted or twisted as the Agatha Christie novels and if you are into this genre you might even guess the end.

I gave it a 7 because it is intriguing and entertaining, beautiful to look at, and well acted... although I would go easier on the forehead Botox (sometimes I couldn't figure out if she was laughing or crying).
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9/10
1 problem that annoyed me!!
xdwnzfw8 August 2024
Only half way through the film I'm actually currently still watching it while writing this!!

Love the film so far think it's amazing but could no member of crew while filming think....

"If I lived in a house and had a grey fridge freezer in my kitchen (American style ya know with the double doors) I would have took the 10 year guarantee sticker off!!"

Pissed me off coz made it obvious that it was a prop bought for a film set!!! THE LITTLE DETAILS MEAN EVERYTHING!!

Sorry just my view and opinion like I said I'm still watching it and I love the film, the plot, storyline, characters but the little details are important.
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10/10
Amazing Accomplishment
jfgibson7324 August 2024
This breathtaking new film from director Jeff Celantio needs to be on everyone's "must watch" list. You will remember Mr. Celantivo from his previous work such as Moscow Mule and Under The Half Moon. Well, he has drawn upon all his experience and worked from a script adapted by Elizabeth Flower and B. A. Madrid to deliver his greatest accomplishment yet: BLACKWATER LANE. It tells the story of a graceful, refined woman named Cass who wants nothing more than to finish her criminal justice degree--just as soon as she finishes overseeing renovations to the beautiful home she shares with her husband, Matthew. There are many conflicts woven throughout this narrative, some of which stem from the relationship she had with her recently deceased mother. Luckily, she has her close friend, Rachel to help her with lesson planning and classroom management.

One of the greatest strengths of this story is the sense of realism that pours out of every frame. Thanks to the contributions of crew members like Ana Izquierdo, this is a movie you will remember the rest of your life. And it is one that Academy members are sure to remember next awards season when they will no doubt recognize Ana Izquierdo for the incredible effort she put into this timeless treasure. Do NOT miss BLACKWATER LANE; your friends will be wanting it to discuss for weeks afterwards!!!
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8/10
Who to trust
D9er30 June 2024
Warning: Spoilers
"Blackwater Lane" is an intriguing thriller that grips the audience with its dark atmosphere and compelling storyline. Directed by an emerging talent, the movie centers around a secluded street that harbors a series of chilling secrets.

The plot unfolds through the eyes of the protagonist, whose move to Blackwater Lane sets off a chain of eerie events. The film excels in building suspense, using the setting's claustrophobic environment to its advantage. The cinematography is notably effective, capturing the haunting beauty of the lane and enhancing the tension with skillful use of shadows and light.

The performances are strong, with the lead actor delivering a nuanced portrayal of someone teetering between skepticism and fear. Supporting characters add depth to the narrative, each contributing to the sense of mystery that pervades the film.

While the pacing can be slow at times, it ultimately serves to deepen the suspense. The climax is both surprising and satisfying, tying together the intricate threads of the story in a way that is both logical and unexpected.

Overall, "Blackwater Lane" is a must-watch for fans of psychological thrillers, offering a chilling and immersive experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
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