Caddo Lake (2024/USA) Movie Review

Caddo Lake is a thrilling mystery drama from the United States of America. The story of this suspenseful film is set in the Texas state region, where this actual lake is located.

Caddo Lake is an area comprising a lake and bayou covering 26,810 acres, situated along the boundary between Texas and Louisiana. It looks like an eerie and mystical place.

The Caddo Nation of Oklahoma, a federally recognized tribe, is composed of the Caddo people and is based in Binger, Oklahoma. The members of this tribe communicate in the Caddo language. As per one legend, the Great Spirit's displeasure with a Caddo Chief's actions resulted in an earthquake that led to the creation of Caddo Lake.

‘Caddo Lake’ Depicts A Strange And Enigmatic Family Tale, Where Nature Hides Many Unknown Mysteries

Spoiler Free Review: Caddo Lake (2024/USA) Movie

The trailer

Official Trailer – Caddo Lake (2024/USA) Movie – (HBO) Max | YouTube.

The synopsis

The inexplicable loss of an eight-year-old girl uncovers a web of past deaths and disappearances, significantly transforming the history of a family already in disarray.

We are not sharing any more details abbout its plot and story, as they might ruin your viewing pleasure. 

Kudos to the writers and directors duo Celine Held & Logan George

Backed by (one of) the producers, M. Night Shyamalan, the writers and directors duo Celine Held and Logan George have given a slow-burning mystery tale about a distressing family history. The locale of Caddo Lake is a perfect setting for this kind of movie. No doubt, our patience was richly rewarded with mind-boggling twists and unimaginable turns as its grief-stricken family members found their way back. To be truthful, we did not see the supernatural elements coming. And this is what makes this movie immensely watchable.

Actor Dylan O’Brien (Paris) and Actress Eliza Scanlen (Ellie) were good

We liked the way, the two lead characters are portrayed by the Actor Dylan O’Brien (Paris) and Actress Eliza Scanlen (Ellie) in the movie. They played their parts almost perfectly, pulling us along in their journey into the unknown and uncharted territories of the mythic and legendary Lake. The rest of the ensemble cast was good too.

Key details

GenreDrama, Mystery, Thriller
Original LanguageEnglish (USA)
Duration1 hour 45 minutes
WritersCeline Held & Logan George
DirectorLogan George & Celine Held
CastDylan O’Brien (Paris), Eliza Scanlen (Ellie), Caroline Falk (Anna), Lauren Ambrose (Celeste), Eric Lange (Daniel), Sam Hennings (Ben), Diana Hopper (Cee), David Maldonado (Sheriff Mark Taylor), Jules Hilillo Fernandez (Claire), Lance E. Nichols (Dr Mitchell), etc.
TaglineFind Your Way Back
NetworkMax

The posters

Poster (1) One
Caddo Lake (2024-USA) Movie Poster 2
Poster (2) Two
Caddo Lake (2024-USA) Movie Poster 1

Spoilers Alert:- A couple of movie scenes hinted at the inspiration

M. Night Shyamalan – a nod to the said movie producer

In the 2005 scene featuring Ellie (Eliza Scanlen) at the computer store in Caddo Lake film, the clerk is attired in a t-shirt emblazoned with The 6th Sense.

Interestingly, M. Night Shyamalan, the director of “The Sixth Sense” (1999) film, is also among its producers.

Marvel Comics – a nod to the said comic book publisher
Marvel Comics

While the narrative takes place in Texas, a television news report mentions a government entity called the “TVA” (Tennessee Valley Authority).

This may also serve as a subtle nod to Marvel Comics’ TVA (Time Variance Authority), especially considering that the storyline involves time travel.

Dark

Incidentally, “Caddo Lake”, the American movie also reminded us of “Dark” (2017-2020), a German series, which dealt with a similar theme of time travel.

The “Dark” series was set against the backdrop of a German town. That family saga also incorporates supernatural themes involving four families.

The rating

FM Rating3.75/5

The conclusion

Finally, the earth-shattering truth comes out at the end, revealing the shocking family history. It was the high point of the film. So, Caddo Lake has an unbelievable ending. This twisty, time-travelling mystery squeezes maximum moodiness and suspense from its lush Southern setting and complex characters.


Featured Image of Eliza Scanlen (Ellie).

Posters and Featured Images Caddo Lake (2024/USA) Movie are courtesy of Max.

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