Before I start this review, I just want to point out how multi-layered this film is. The Lighthouse has so many different deeper interpretations that could have essays written about it. I've only watched this film once and feel that I am in no way capable of writing an in-depth review of the film. This review is going to be fairly surface level. I need to watch this film at least one more time to gather my complete thoughts.
To put it bluntly, Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe were robbed of an Oscar nomination. Both were absolutely phenomenal. Though Pattinson was wonderful Winslow, Willem Dafoe was absolutely mesmerizing as Thomas Wake. Dafoe gave one of my favorite performances of the year. He was insane throughout the runtime. Though he didn't get nominated for an Oscar, he had not one but two "Oscar moment" scenes in the film. The first was the monologue to Pattinson's character during the last dinner scene. The way he starts screaming to Neptune to strike down Winslow was perfection. The second "Oscar moment scene comes in the third act. Though the situation he's in is a spoiler that I won't get into, he is absolutely fantastic given the physical situation he is in. The director, Robbert Eggers, was fantastic once again. Both of his feature films The Witch and The Lighthouse are fantastic horror and time-period films.
This film is technically perfect. The Lighthouse is shot in a 1.19:1 ratio, essentially looking like a square, and black and white. I loved the decision. It made watching the film a unique experience. The cinematography was beautiful. It was good enough to earn the film it's only Oscar nomination. How did this film only receive one Oscar nomination?! The editing is also nearly flawless.
The story, on its surface, is about two men slowly going crazy while maintaining a lighthouse. That, by itself, is a compelling narrative. Once you dive deeper into the film, you uncover deeper meanings. On my first watch, it was apparent that the film had a lot to say with manhood and the dynamics between the young and the old. I also read a theory about the lighthouse being purgatory for Winslow. I absolutely buy into that theory.
I don't really have any negatives with The Lighthouse. It's nearly perfect. I wasn't a big fan of the inclusion of mermaids though. I didn't think it worked particularly well compared to the rest of the film. I understand why it was there, however, I personally didn't like.
In conclusion, Robert Eggers crafted another beautiful, deep film. I am excited to see what he and A24 will create next. I am also excited to re-watch this film to uncover other meanings that Eggers included in the film.
9/10
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