The Lighthouse is an atmospheric movie. The plot can be summarised in one line, that being simply; two men are left alone and go mad. While the film arguably has more meat than that, it is an experience of a film. With the claustrophobic aspect ratio, the grainy black and white cinematography and the groaning, belching sound design, Robert Eggers, Robert Pattinson, and Willem Dafoe deliver a nightmarish mythic dream.
If one watches the trailer before watching the movie, one should assume the film's demeanor accurately. Obviously this is the role of a trailer but, because The Lighthouse is an atmospheric piece, the trailer gives away that horrific atmosphere pre-viewing. And, while there are definitely elements to discuss in the film, such as the Mythology of the sea or the erotic undertones of the film, none can firmly tread upon, instead lightly scuffled. The film made me think back to the documentary Room 237, a film that explores many conspiracies about The Shining, a film I can see being a fine companion piece to The Lighthouse. Room 237, while endearing, was regularly grasping at thin air in its theories. I feel that discussions about The Lighthouse may be similar. Enjoyable to dive into but never quite satisfactory.
