Directed by Taneli Mustonen in 2016, Lake Bodom (aka Bodom) is a surprising homage to classic slasher movies. This Finnish horror draws on news events while grafting rich twists and sharp suspense into the story. Lake Bodom is thus inspired by the case dating back to June 5, 1960, when four teenagers who had camped along the shore of Lake Bodom, Finland, were attacked and massacred. It was not until 2004, nearly 44 years after the massacre, that the sole survivor (Nils Wilhelm Gustafsson) was held responsible for the incident, but in 2005 he was relieved of all charges.
In Lake Bodom, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the "Lake Bodom Massacre," some journalism students decide to investigate the aforementioned case that has always remained unsolved. In search of fun and thrills, Ida-Maria (Nelly Hirst-Gee), Nora (Mimosa Willamo), Elias (Mikael Gabriel) and Atte (Santeri Helinheimo Mäntylä) reach the shores of the lake, the site of the tragedy in the 1960s.
Finnish director Mustonen's film embodies the main characteristics of the genre (group of secluded boys, sexual theme, threat posed by the maniac from the past) while surprising in the originality in which the story converges. The sense of menace is constant and intensifies as the massacre begins (well dosed with violence and blood) generating an intense and growing state of anxiety that culminates in an unexpected and ingenious twist.
In this context where lies, weakness and madness also lurk, the remarkable location stands out: a mysterious nature that silently embraces the horrors it witnesses.
By Lake Bodom Nor does the characterization of the main characters go unnoticed: indeed, the performarces of the four lead actors (Mimosa Willamo, Nelly Hirst-Gee, Mikael Gabriel, Santeri Helinheimo Mäntylä) stand out.
The cast also includes Pirjo Moilanen, Ilkka Heiskanen, Sami Eerola, Otso Ahosola, and Tommi Korpela.
The script for the film is by the director himself in collaboration with Aleksi Hyvärinen.
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Lake Bodom has been distributed in Italy thanks to Midnight Factory. The film is available for digital download but also in DVD and Blu-ray limited edition (both accompanied by booklet).
Impeccable Blu-ray edition that comes with hardback slipcase and amaray with interior artwork.
Devoid of flaws is the audio/video compartment. Extras include the "Making of" and "Audience Reactions."
Blu-ray limited edition:
Format/Aspect: 1:2.35
Duration: 84′
Audio: Italian - 5.1 DTS HD Master audio, Finnish - DTS HD Master audio
Subtitles: Italian
Extra Contents: Making of, Audience reaction
