PopHorror Let's Get Scared
As much as I love vengeful creature features and misshapen monster films, there’s just something about mentally unbalanced humans in horror movies that get to me. There are really people out there like that, and there’s no telling what they’ll do. So, when I read the synopsis for Andrew Bassett and Lilian Langston’s 2017 film, Loon, I was quite intrigued. It sounds like it could be just another Cabin in the Woods flick… but what if it isn’t?
Synopsis:
A couple travel to a remote cabin in Montana where an encounter with an overbearing neighbor leads to a terrifying ordeal.
Loon is a 2017 film directed by DoP Andrew Bassett (Holmes Buy It Right TV series) and Producer Lilian Langston (NRA All Access TV series) and c0-written by Basset, Langston and Casting Producer Stephanie Le Feuvre (Beach Hunters TV series). The cast includes Lex Anastasia (Atomic Apocalypse 2018), Production Assistant Taylor Lennox (Mountain Men TV series), Jeff Medley (Timber the Treasure Dog 2016), and Maiah Wynne (Feral). The music was composed by Jake Birch (Ladder Fools 2018).
What Works
Let’s start with the movie title. “Loon” conjures up images of a black and white bird whose calls are used to create dread in horror films. There are three calls, which we learn in the opening credits: the wail (where are you? I am here), the yodel (this is my territory), and the tremelo (danger!). The bird’s cries can be heard throughout the film with each call matching what’s happening onscreen, ratcheting up the tension and adding depth to Jake Burch’s hypnotically tense synth score. The naturalness of his music blends perfectly with the bird calls, making it seem like nature itself is out to get you.
But the word “loon” can also conjure up a crazy person, someone unbalanced or unhinged… a lunatic. The double meaning of the word plays well in this film, especially during the dinner scene when Chuck (Medley) talks about how the birds hunt. It’s a turning point that switches the entire story around and alliances seem to shift, making you wonder who the bad guy really is here. It is unsettling to say the least.
The acting here is above par. I am especially impressed with Taylor Lennox, who had only had one other acting credit on his resume. He’s a natural. I truly hope to see him in other projects. Lex Anastasia is flawless in creating Ann’s transformation from cuddly newlywed to terrified victim. And, last but not least, there’s Jeff Medley as Chuck. I’m still pretty weirded out by this guy. But there’s also something about him where you start to question his creepiness. With his Count Olaf hair and Julian Richings gaze, you can almost believe that the guy is just socially awkward. Sure, he’s weird, but is he actually dangerous? Medley rises to this occasion with perfection. Seriously, this guy has talent.
Bassett’s cinematography is breathtaking. He has a real eye for beauty and light, and he can make the most out of even the simplest shot. The scenes in the woods are scary but clear, which is something I can honestly admit that I don’t say very often when reviewing horror films.
What Doesn’t Work
Loon is a gorgeous yet chilling film, but there are a few things I want to mention. I wish Ann had had more to do. Most of the focus is on Taylor and Chuck and their interactions. The character of Ann almost feels tacked on. What a waste of a wonderful actress.
Then there’s the ending. What the heck happened? I’ve read a few other reviews to see if I could figure it out, and they all seem just as confused as I am. It’s not a bad ending, not at all. It’s actually pretty gruesome and out of left field. But what the heck does it mean? And what happened to the wedding ring? And the dead guy in the woodpile? I feel like these things were used for shock value and not really as a part of a cohesive story, which is unfortunate.
Blu-ray Extras
The Scream team Releasing Blu-ray release of Loon has audio commentary, bloopers, and the film’s full trailer.
Final Thoughts
I thoroughly enjoyed Loon. There are so many cool and unique things going on here, and the creep factor is at a 10. The film itself is absolutely beautiful and worth a watch for Jeff Medley’s performance alone. Do yourself a favor and pick yourself up a copy of Loon from Scream Team Releasing’s site or through Amazon when it releases on December 14, 2021.
