Osgood Perkins delivers a notable shift from his earlier film work by directing “Keeper,” an Osgood Perkins folk horror movie now screening in theaters. Drawing on the folk horror tradition, screenwriter Nick Lepard crafts a suspenseful tale filled with emotional depth and disturbing undertones, all set in one of horror’s most classic settings: a remote cabin in the woods.
A Troubled Couple Sets Out for the Woods
This unsettling story follows Liz, portrayed by Tatiana Maslany, and Malcolm, played by Rossif Sutherland, as they retreat to Malcolm’s family cabin to celebrate their first anniversary. From the beginning, it’s clear that Liz and Malcolm’s relationship is riddled with incompatibilities. Liz, an assertive city artist, contrasts with Malcolm, a reserved doctor used to solitude among the trees. While the set-up might hint at a familiar “cabin in the woods” trope, Perkins’ approach brings a fresh twist from the outset.
A Dark Fairy Tale Unfolds
Echoing elements from “Gretel & Hansel,” Perkins and Lepard weave a narrative that signals early on that danger lurks beneath Malcolm’s mild façade. An opening sequence of women falling victim to romantic violence evokes the Bluebeard myth, hinting that Liz may be in jeopardy, though “Keeper” shifts suspense from “if” she’s at risk to “why” and “how.” As Liz navigates her unease, the forest itself becomes a character, shrouding the couple in a surreal and tense atmosphere.
Complex Performances and Emotional Range
Tatiana Maslany offers a performance with extraordinary depth, depicting Liz as both sensitive and strong-willed. Her character constantly balances her affection for Malcolm with an acute awareness of subtle warning signs. The tension tightens with every odd moment, as when Malcolm serves Liz a slice of cake he himself does not eat—a seemingly trivial detail that hints at greater unease. Maslany’s nuanced portrayal makes Liz sympathetic, smart, and compelling, showing a woman who notices troubling signals even as she pushes past them in pursuit of love.
Building Mystery and Surreal Terror
Perkins’ direction slowly ratchets up the horror through ambiguous and supernatural signs. Early background scares set the unsettling tone, with scenes such as Malcolm’s unsettling behavior late at night amplifying the sense that the couple’s isolation may be concealing something menacing. As “Keeper” progresses, dreamlike and nightmarish imagery accumulates, culminating in a climactic sequence dominated by a fiercely primal Maslany and uniquely disturbing creature designs.
An Intimate and Eerie Experience
Set against the backdrop of a running brook near the remote cabin, the narrative unfolds with a hypnotic quality characteristic of Perkins’ style. The confined setting intensifies introspection, prompting the audience to scrutinize every interaction and symbol. The film’s slow-burn pace and sparse atmosphere invite viewers to embrace the steady build-up of dread as the initial romance twists into something far darker and more surreal.
A Noteworthy Entry in Modern Folk Horror
“Keeper” stands out for its intimate storytelling, artistic performances, and unique approach to folk horror conventions. Osgood Perkins’ film is not only a showcase for Tatiana Maslany’s talents but also a striking contribution to the genre, drawing in audiences willing to let the film’s disturbing mood and psychological complexity leave a lasting impression. As “Keeper” finds its audience in theaters, its haunting images and emotional intensity position it as a memorable chapter in contemporary horror.
