User reviews

I went into this knowing nothing about this movie, except the genre. I am glad that that was the case! I had no expectations and was able to just let the plot unfold and experience the discovery right along with the protagonists. I really enjoyed it. If it's not too late, I'd recommend not reading the plot summary or any detailed reviews before watching.

It starts out feeling a bit like a family drama but pay attention because sprinkled throughout are little plot supporting elements. You might even reach a point where you'll be wondering just what in the world is going on. Don't worry... it's all explained fairly neatly before it's done. Just hang in there!

Now this may not be a great movie but it's definitely a good one. And once all is revealed highly original. I did guess it before ( after a couple of clues ) I knew the whole story but that didn't ruin the good twists toward the end. Two stories run parallel to each other and both get better and better. As many have said the movie starts of slow and uninteresting. During the first half hour my wife kept asking me what the heck the movie is about but after a couple of plot reveals the story tightens and weaves to come together in the end. O'Brian as always does a good job and is helped by an earnest supporting cast. Pacing also picks up in the second half. As aforementioned stick with it and you should enjoy it as much as we did.

Once you figure out what's going on, the story itself after the fact isn't exactly groundbreaking. However, the way they pull it off is pretty impressive. I don't think people consider enough the degree of coordination that's required to apply pacing and tone in any given film, especially when you throw in special effects and lighting potentially dependent on time of day. This movie does all of it pretty flawlessly, and creates an almost tactile momentum that carries you through. While I wasn't surprised it ended when it did, not once was I looking for it or had it in mind until it was over. That's usually a clear mark of competence for storytelling. The final scene did feel a bit empty, though, for reasons I can't quite explain. Maybe a clearer angle of a final, knowing look from Celeste would have remedied this, but that's just a stray thought, not genuine criticism.

Acting was spot on for everyone involved. Dylan O'Brien is something of a standout. I've seen his work before but this one really let him shine. Lauren Ambrose also completely sells the manic/distressed persona and just became this person. Eliza Scanlen not once failed to sell me what was happening on-screen. Talents like these make it so much easier to lose yourself in whatever is being shown and it's always appreciated.

Great watch. Adept filmmakers on display and I'm here for it.

Rare is the movie that motivates me to see it again right away to understand what I had just watched. Caddo Lake is such a case. In the first viewing, I ended up totally confused, but with some understanding of what was going on from the last part of the movie. So I decided to watch it again an hour later to understand the whole story, and then every scene from the start made sense within the film plot.

The twists and turns of this movie make you pay attention to every detail throughout the hour and a half of its duration, which is not common in movies nowadays. So kudos to the two screenwriters and directors.

Honestly, I haven't felt like this about a movie in a long time. The cinematography is gorgeous, scenery is beautiful and the characters are quite captivating and interesting. I wish movies like these would go out on big screens and not on streaming platforms. Still, that doesn't take away the artistry from it.

All of the actors were amazing, the casting is brilliant. It build up slowly which I liked because the atmosphere of it was wonderful. Without spoiling anything or without even writing what is it about, I think its a very well made mystery movie with great story and plot twists.

All in all, interesting and beautiful.

I thought it was a nice movie! And I might watch it a second time to see if I missed anything. Don't read spoilers for the best way of viewing!

It starts slow, but the story builds up nicely and the writers made clever decisions. At a certain point I made some wild guesses about where the story was moving towards. And while I was wrong, the things that made me make those wild guesses were immediately answered in the film. In the end the story wraps up perfectly and doesn't leave any big parts open or unanswered. That's always a nice thing, if you ask me.

Acting is mostly great and the special effects were fine. The music did not leave a lasting effect, but it worked ok.

I went into this movie pretty blind and it blew my mind once it finally clicked what was happening. It's a slow burn at first but that is not a bad thing. Once it starts unraveling it goes fast. Great acting can't believe it released only to HBO and not in theaters. But for my sake I am glad it did. This movie is the perfect amount of mystery and supernatural to keep things very interesting. I hope that it gets more good reviews because it deserves it. I really enjoyed Dylan's acting as I normally do. But this one is probably my fav work of his. I wish it was a book! I would start reading it today!

While the story progresses slowly it's never dull or boring, the slow burn builds mystery and maybe even a little confusion. Towards the middle it all starts to come together and it just gets better and better. Dylan's performance is spot on and in general all the acting was really good. It was not scary, it was mysterious and more of a thriller. The visuals were great, enough that it should have had a premier in the movie theater.

Overall if you like mystery this is definitely a must watch, very entertaining and enjoyable. The story is really good and I didn't look into what people were saying it was based on but maybe that's a good thing. I doubt they copied anything but maybe they based it off a previous movie.

Sometimes you just don't connect with a film. Often for me it's when the story is based on an outlandish concept, yet the film is taking itself very seriously as if nothing is out of the ordinary. That was 'Caddo Lake' for me.

The other barometer for me about my enjoyment of a film is if its confusing, but I don't care enough to put the pieces of the puzzle together. There are films like 'Memento' where you simply have to go over every detail with a fine-tooth comb because you're so invested. With this film I was just happy to accept that all the logic worked and it was what it was.

Don't get me wrong, there's some good stuff here and if you buy into the concept you might just really enjoy yourself. All I say is this one wasn't for me. 5/10.

Caddo Lake is mesmerizing tale that doesn't fully kick in until the 'back half' of the film. The first hour is slow, and rather dull, but the twists and turns the narrative ends up taking more than makes up for a lot the poor pacing. Dylan O'Brien is strong here, and it's great to see him in again in a leading roll, but the script didn't give him much to pull from. I think a second viewing will be required to fully understand where the story ends up.

Verdict: Slow first half with an interesting story that ends on a strong note.

Give the movie time to build.

I recommend this as an 'easy' movie night.

I wish more movies were made like this. .I'm also glad I didn't watch any previews. I had know idea what this movie was about. I just knew it had Dylan O'Brien and I like his movies. He always does something different. It was PG-13 and on Max so fee movie night. 75% of the movie I had no idea what was going on and how all of the characters came together. It was written very well so it kept your attention. The acting was very well. This movie definitely makes you think and question things and it is brilliant. Reminds me of 90's thriller movies. It's slow but when it all ties together you will be blown away. It ends perfectly..

I went in knowing nothing and I think it's better if you do so. But it's also difficult to get past the very slow set up. The first 1/4 of the movie, nothing is happening and it feels pretty boring.... and while stuff starts happening at that point, it's only halfway through that the movie really becomes interesting. But when it does, it's so worth it. I understand the build up is essential and necessary for the rest of the movie to work but I still think they could have done it with a better pacing; and if they had managed that, I would probably give this movie an 8/10. And for a movie with no big name actors, they are all doing a great job. Highly recommended!

You need more than just two brain cells to truly appreciate CADDO LAKE. It's not a film you can half-watch while scrolling through your phone - it demands and deserves your full attention. Unpredictable and full of surprises, what you think is one thing often turns out to be another. It's a brilliant movie that warrants watching twice, even three times, to catch all the subtle nuances. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The actors are fantastic, and as the intricate web of their lives unravels, you'll get goosebumps more than once.

What makes CADDO LAKE even more remarkable is its unfinished, open-ended storytelling. The film explores touching family relationships, but without wrapping everything up neatly. It's a new kind of filmmaking, where not all the loose ends are tied up-leaving much to the viewer's imagination. This bold approach challenges the audience's perceptions and pushes boundaries. Many might struggle with this unconventional style, but it's what sets the film apart. Interestingly, the writer-director duo, Celine and Logan, discovered the location first and then crafted the story around it. This connection to the setting really adds depth to the film's atmosphere.

Well it's obvious that the makers of Caddo Lake were inspired by the excellent German series Dark. Nothing wrong with that but to me it looked a bit like a déjà-vu. I still enjoyed watching it though. There is a good mysterious vibe to it and that keeps you interested in the story. But like the series Dark it's also very difficult to understand, you'll have to think deeply about it and then certain things might not look plausible or making sense. The acting was good, better than average, and so was the cinematography. All in all an interesting movie but if you look for something longer and better the German show is what you want.

It's nice when you unexpectedly come across a movie that contains a captivating, disturbing, mysterious and entertaining plot like Caddo Lake. It is the ideal context. You start watching a movie without expectations and you are surprised with every minute that passes.

Caddo Lake is a small film and it is evident in its visual effects, but that does not stop a well-put together script from having you on the edge of your seat.

The performances are decent, no one stands out, but they are enough to not take you away from the main story.

I recommend watching this movie with a clear, clean and rested mind so as not to become overwhelmed with the information that is provided.

Sadly it's a ripoff from Dark. It's German show that was amazing. M ripped off the concept.i don't want to post spoilers so I won't say what happens in either. If you did see Dark you'd understand but it's incredibly more Complicated than this movie. Why is IMDb making us post such long reviews all the time? Been in this site since its infancy. The 90's. Always the best.

It's entertaining nonetheless and makes a rainy day go by.

It's from an exact copy of the show but the concept and timing makes it suspicious.

So enjoy and definitely watch all seasons of almost the best show ever! You're in for a treat and use the cheat sheets?

-"Initially, I didn't have high expectations for Caddo Lake after seeing some mixed reviews that labeled it boring and unoriginal. Sure, there's room for improvement -I didn't love the ending and think it could have been stronger. However, the movie as a whole was solid, with a well-chosen cast who delivered convincing performances that kept me engaged throughout. Caddo Lake manages to capture attention and hold it, especially if you're patient enough to allow the story to unfold at its own pace. In my opinion, this is one of the better mystery/thrillers of 2024 and definitely worth a watch."-