By Corey Vikser
Staff Writer
While the idea of a film about a couple having a terror-inducing camping trip may seem generic for the horror genre, writer-director Leigh Janiak shines new light on the age-old concept with the newly released film “Honeymoon.”
At first glance, “Honeymoon” suffers from a poor dynamic between its lead actors. However, as the film progresses, the actors’ performances become increasingly intensified and their relationship becomes more suspenseful, which accents the rising conflict between their characters.
Bea (Rose Leslie) and Paul (Harry Treadaway), a newlywed couple looking for a quiet, idyllic getaway in the woods for their honeymoon, settle on Bea’s childhood cottage. The trip initially seems simple and pleasant for the couple, until Bea goes missing, and Paul finds her nude, bloody and bruised in the woods. Bea then simply writes off the horrifying incident as sleep walking, with her wounds being no more than bug bites.
Bea’s behavior becomes increasingly odd, and Paul begins to grow suspicious of her condition. Tensions between the couple rise amidst strange occurrences in the night, and Paul becomes wary of Bea very quickly.
“Honeymoon” relies on the chemistry of its lead characters to carry the film, as the isolated woods offer little in terms of setting. As the conflict begins to develop, both leads succeed in taking advantage of their characters’ roles and behaviors.
Treadaway’s acting is intense and impactful as he is left with the burden of carrying the film’s emotional anchor since Leslie’s performance continues to become further hauntingly ominous.
His character’s search for the truth of what happened to Bea becomes the most compelling component of the film, leading into an intense third act that is anchored by the two lead actors’ performances.
In addition, Janiak creatively ramps up the tone of uncertainty and dread throughout the second half of the film as tensions begin to rise between the two leading actors. Janiak focuses on unusual imagery in cinematography to further push the odd changes occurring during the honeymoon, such as details of Bea’s morning routine and the mysterious bright lights that appear in the woods.
Leslie and Treadaway may take time to find their footing, but when they do, their performances prove so intense, that, when coupled with the ever-escalating narrative, they propel “Honeymoon” to heights not generally reached by most horror films.
“Honeymoon” is rated R and is currently playing in limited release and is available on Video On Demand.
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