Is This Folk Horror Tale a "Keeper?"

The surreal, eerie film Keeper (2025), keenly illustrates why Osgood Perkins is one of the most talented and original directors currently working in the horror genre. His filmography includes distinctive and unique films like The Blackcoat's Daughter (2015) and I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House (2016), as well as offbeat spins on more traditional thrillers, such as Longlegs (2024) and The Monkey (2025). As Keeper (2025) opens, we think we're being treated to a traditional relationship drama, as Malcolm and Liz celebrate their one-year anniversary by spending the weekend at a secluded cabin in the woods.

Malcolm prepares a romantic dinner for Liz, and points out a cake left for the couple, supposedly by the cabin's caretaker. Their meal is interrupted by Malcolm's obnoxious cousin Darren and his girlfriend, who quickly wear out their welcome. That's when things start to go south, as Liz begins experiencing strange visions, and hearing weird noises. Malcolm, who's a doctor, suddenly has to return to the city to help a patient. Liz's experiences become even more nightmarish when she's alone, as strange apparitions appear in the house, and haunt and bedevil her. When Malcolm returns, dark secrets about his past are revealed, and Liz's life is changed forever. This is where the twist in screenwriter Nick Lepard's folk horror-inflected tale comes to the fore.

Keeper (2025) is truly haunting and atmospheric. As the supernatural aspects of the story deepen, it becomes obvious that this isn't a typical romantic drama, and Malcolm isn't the nice guy he appears to be on the surface. What really makes the film work is Perkin's assured direction. He provides a real sense of dread and unease to the story as it unfolds, and imbues the film with an almost dreamlike quality, thanks in no small measure to cinematographer Jeremy Cox's excellent work. The other thing that helps Keeper (2025) succeed is the strong performance of Tatiana Maslany as Liz. Maslany, who also worked with Perkins on The Monkey, and was so memorable playing multiple roles on TV's Orphan Black, is terrific here, giving an emotional, three dimensional performance. She also plays well off Rossif Sutherland, who initially brings out the subtle weirdness, and ultimately reveals the evil side, of Malcolm.

Osgood Perkins' oeuvre definitely stands out in the horror genre, which has seen a resurgence and flourished again recently, with successful movies like Weapons (2025) and Sinners (2025) garnering critical acclaim and winning major awards. Like David Lynch, Perkins has a unique style all his own, and his films often transcend the genres he works in, with compelling and mesmerizing results. Keeper (2025) is a hypnotic and unsettling tale, and is worth adding to your watch list. Here's a link to the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1EeA-OihKA.