There is something… unsettling from the opening scenes of Little Bone Lodge, something you can’t quite put your finger on. Mama (Joely Richardson) and her teenage daughter Maisy (Sadie Soverall) live off-grid; no internet, no phones, no television. Just them, caring for a disabled Pa (Roger Ajogbe) in what could easily be the 1950s rather than the present day. Life is simple and straightforward until brothers Jack (Neil Linpow, who also wrote the screenplay) and Matty (Harry Cadby) turn up on their doorstep, the former hurt from an accident that wrecked their car. Being nice people, the family bring them in.
Of course, the brothers are not quite what they seem, but then very little is. As secrets and motivations are slowly revealed, the viewer is challenged repeatedly, trying to identify who is the victim or victim in this strange scenario. Themes of grief, familial loyalty and revenge pepper the subtle narrative, either simmering in the subtext of a seemingly innocent conversation or boiling over due to shocking revelations.
Much of this is down to Linpow’s deflecting, unpredictable script and tight, tension-building direction from Matthias Hoene. Yet a great deal of credit must go to the performances. Richardson is outstanding as the protective mother who is absolutely hiding something (clear from the outset, you just can’t quite figure out what) and Linpow as Jack, who is as luckless as he is desperate.
The only real issues arise in the final act when, as each person’s truth finally seeps out, more players are introduced, and the delicate character balance suffers. That aside, this is a taught, twisty thriller that rewards careful viewing.
