4 star intense and brooding drama.
The Lighthouse is a 2023 thriller written by Max Eggers and his brother Robert Eggers (The Witch, The Northman), who also directs. It is presented with effective and authentic monochrome photography throughout.
It is available to buy now on 4K UHD and Blu-ray courtesy of Arrow Video.
“Should pale death and treble dread, make the ocean caves our bed, God, who hear’st the surges roll, deign to save our suppliant soul. To four weeks!”
It’s the 1890’s and two lighthouse keepers (or Wickies as they call themselves) are heading out to a remote outpost in New England. Ephraim Winslow (Robert Pattinson – The Batman, Twilight) is a newbie on his first duty and accompanying him is Thomas Wake (Willem Dafoe – To Live and Die in L.A., Mississippi Burning), a grizzled and jaded veteran of the U.S. Lighthouse Service.
Ephraim gets off to a strange start when he finds a Scrimshaw mermaid tucked into his mattress, did this belong to his predecessor and if so what became of him? From the very beginning it is obvious that these two men have little in common. Thomas likes his drink and Ephraim is set against it, as it is not in the rulebook, however he eventually relents and agrees to toast to the four weeks they have to spend there.
The strange and otherworldly atmosphere of the island, Ephraim’s discovery of a liking for alcohol and Thomas’s constant badgering about work take their toll and relations decline even further as Thomas refuses to allow him into the room with the lantern. What secrets are hidden up there?
“See to yer duties. The light is mine.”
The Lighthouse is a masterpiece of atmosphere building. The brooding period style and the monochrome filming work superbly. What really makes the film of course is the outstanding acting performances of the two leads.
The language used is very of the era and feels authentic and there are some monologues from Willem Dafoe which are nothing short of magnificent. Robert Pattinson also shines as we see the evolution of his character throughout the film.
It is difficult to watch in places, very awkward and it won’t be to everyone’s taste, but if you enjoy a darkly comedic delve into human nature and folklore then this one is most certainly worth adding to your collection.
“I seen ye sparring with a gull. Best leave ’em be. Bad luck to kill a seabird.”
The Lighthouse is available to buy now on 4K UHD and Blu-ray
LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS
• 4K (2160p) Ultra HD Blu-ray presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible), approved by director Robert Eggers
• Original 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio and 2.0 stereo audio options
• Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
• Brand new audio commentary by authors Guy Adams and Alexandra Benedict
• Audio commentary by co-writer/director Robert Eggers
• Art of Darkness: Making The Lighthouse – a brand new, in-depth documentary on the film, its production, themes and influences, featuring new interviews with co-writer/director Robert Eggers, director of photography Jarin Blaschke, production designer Craig Lathrop, costume designer Linda Muir and authors Guy Adams and Alexandra Benedict
• The Lighthouse Next Door: The Consuming House Tale of Robert Eggers’ The Lighthouse – a brand new visual essay on the film and its folklore influences by author and critic Kat Ellinger
• The Lighthouse: A Dark & Stormy Tale – a three-part documentary on the making of the film
• Deleted scenes
• Two theatrical trailers
• Image gallery
• Limited edition packaging with reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Jeffrey Alan Love
• Limited edition 60-page perfect bound book featuring new writing on the film by Simon Abrams, Wickham Clayton, Martyn Conterio and Alexandra Heller-Nicholas
• Fold-out double-sided poster featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Jeffrey Alan Love
• Six double-sided collector’s postcards
| Director | Robert Eggers |
| Genre | Drama, fantasy, thriller |
| Starring | Willem Dafoe, Robert Pattinson, Valeriia Karaman |
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