Dan Abel’s review published on Letterboxd:
A single mother takes her two kids to visit their father. When he informs her that they need to finalize the divorce so he can marry his girlfriend she goes home and kills herself. Fast forward six months and the kids now live with their father. He thinks it's a good idea if they all go up to their house in the mountains to celebrate Christmas. The kids don't want to go, especially with his girlfriend, Grace. They resent her. A day after they arrive dad has to go back to the city on business for two days and leaves Grace and the kids alone. What follows is a series of disturbing events and revelations that shake all of their lives to the core.
I see a lot of people judging this through the lens of a horror film. I personally think that's the wrong approach. This isn't a horror film, it's a psychological suspense film of sorts. A cerebral slow burn with a nice twist. I can admit I didn't figure it out until a few mins before the film revealed it. There are hints of Ari Aster in here which is always a good thing. If someone told me this was an A24 film I'd be inclined to believe them. Riley Keough was tremendous in the role of Grace and she was supported by great scenery, an interesting disturbing plot, a good soundtrack and an excellent supporting cast. There are so many little angles to the plot that commanded my attention. This is one of those films that I will be watching more than once, and probably sooner than later. Check it out.
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