Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala’s The Lodge is probably one of the best psychological horror movies I’ve seen in quite awhile, so much so that I’m reluctant to spoil it for anyone who hasn’t yet seen it (which is why the review below is the first part of two; where I discuss why I think the movie is as good as it is, minus plot points of any significance).

I intend to complete the second part this weekend.

The story revolves around a family that seems to move from tragedy to tragedy, who end up visiting a remote vacation home during a stormy winter for Christmas.

What makes it work is that Franz and Fiala craft such an efficient, moody and atmospheric movie that makes you question everything your see on screen in some way, shape or form.

Then there’s the soundtrack, which unlike most movies only comes in when there’s some point the filmmakers want to emphasize, as opposed to being omnipresent and frankly, distracting.

It’s pretty remarkable.