The Lodge

During a work emergency, a father leaves his kids Aidan and Mia in the care of his new girlfriend Grace at a remote winter lodge. Snow swallows the road, leaving them cut off from help as the blizzard howls outside. Inside, the house creaks, shadows move, and ordinary worries tilt into something more sinister. The children wrestle with fear and mistrust while Grace tries to keep control, even as strange noises, unexplained events, and glimpses of Grace’s troubled past surface. The film favors atmosphere over action, letting silence, texture, and a chilling sense of doubt do the work. Viewers are invited to question what really happened and who is telling the truth. The tension escalates as a quiet domestic scene slides toward a catastrophe that never fully reveals itself.

Directed by Severin Fiala and Veronika Franz from an original screenplay by Sergio Casci, The Lodge released in 2020 as a restrained English language psychological horror feature. It emphasizes mood and character over explicit gore, prioritizing psychological tension and atmosphere. It also signals a European sensibility toward quiet dread.

Critics praised the film for its cold restraint, the way isolation amplifies fear, and Riley Keough's uneasy portrayal of Grace. The story probes grief, trust, and the way memory stains family bonds, creating a tension that lingers after the screen goes dark and the storm subsides. This restraint defines it.

The Lodge has earned a foothold in modern restrained horror, appealing to viewers who favor atmosphere and performance over splatter. Its stark setting, the relentless wind, and Keough's enigmatic Grace are often cited by fans in discussions of contemporary psychological thrillers, helping spark interest in European genre directors. Its influence lingers.

Box office receipts total roughly 2.68 million worldwide, reflecting a limited release and a niche audience for this austere thriller released in theaters.