Spoilers are not going camping ever.

This is not the first time the woods and the dark combine to bring a mix of mystery and dread in a feature, but it’s been a minute for me. That being said, I can’t quite classify this film neatly in the horror genre. It is a more of a psychological otherworldly piece with more questions than answers. The execution has a couple of rough edges but I can’t deny it captured my attention. You want to see this through.

Lovely, Dark and Deep (2023) is directed by Teresa Sutherland. Becoming a ranger of this national park seems to be both an honor and a strange choice given the isolated life each individual ranger must endure. For Lennon (Georgina Campbell), a woman with a bit of a checkered past, it seems almost natural. Veteran ranger Jackson (Nick Blood) seems eager to try to break the ice, but Lennon is not interested in making friends. As we soon will learn, Lennon might not only know this park already, she’s got something of an ulterior motive to be here.

Soon enough we’ll learn Lennon is not just here for the view. Her little sister got lost here when they were both younger. Although she seems to settle in quite comfortably to, Lennon soon will start hearing and seeing things. Some, can be explained. Others, are little more disturbing. How much is in her mind and how much comes from somewhere else is difficult to say. As she helps finding and rescuing people that get lost, she will soon feel herself drawn to something out there.

It’s a rather interesting experience as we get inside Lennon’s head. Audiences that want a clear and concise explanation will walk out disappointed. I will praise the filmmakers commitment to stay clear of cheap gimmicks and/or trope-y reveals. I’m aware this will not appease some viewers used to have one devoted scene of exposition that puts every card on the table. I’d rather enjoy some mystery banter. Georgina Campbell makes for a very solid and strong lead character. I am on the fence on the outcome of the ending.

Highly recommended for fans of psychological horror and eerie mysteries with reservations. It’s a bit hard to call the ending a resolution. I felt like Lennon’s character didn’t quite obtain total closure. For audiences wanting a full explanation of everything it might not be their cup of tea. Worth a watch for the right audience.

That will do for now.