Director: Joel Anderson
Starring: Rosie Traynor, David Pledger, Martin Sharpe, Talia Zucker
Strange things start happening after a girl is found drowned in a lake.
Presented documentary style, ‘Lake Mungo’ is a mockumentary – supposedly based on events that happened in 2005 in the small town of Ararat in Australia. The use of ‘police footage’ also gives the film a more realistic edge. The performances are so believable that one can easily be fooled into believing this to be a documentary.
The film – erm, documentary – is about Alice Palmer, a 16-year old girl who disappeared while the family were picnicking at a lake. Her body was found at the bottom of the lake just a few days later. Alice had drowned, and the family had a difficult time accepting what had happened.
Shortly thereafter the Palmer family started hearing noises coming from Alice’s bedroom, and later they had sightings of her. It became clear Alice’s ghost was in the Palmer home still. But this was only just the beginning of bizarre events that were to follow…
The film became more spooky and creepy as it progressed, but it also started losing its realistic feel when it edged towards the ‘Paranormal Activity’ genre. Still, those who believe in ghosts will definitely be freaked out by the film.
There are interesting – albeit shocking – reveals about innocent little Alice during the final act. ‘Lake Mungo’ was an interesting watch that had be captivated from beginning to end. I also loved the film’s subtle score.
Would I watch it again? I don’t think so.
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