The new mystery thriller Caddo Lake, starring Teen Wolf and The Maze Runner star Dylan O’Brien, has debuted to positive critical reception on Rotten Tomatoes, with an 82% approval rating. Produced by M. Night Shyamalan and directed by Celine Held and Logan George, the film explores eerie family secrets that come to light following the disappearance of a young girl near the real-life Caddo Lake, which spans the Texas-Louisiana border.
With an atmospheric setting and strong performances from O’Brien and co-star Eliza Scanlen (Little Women), Caddo Lake has been lauded for its haunting mood. However, some critics noted that its complex twists might alienate viewers who prefer more straightforward storytelling.
In his review for Screen Rant, Nick Bythrow commended O’Brien and Scanlen’s performances but remarked that the film’s characters lack depth, which impacts its narrative tension. Collider’s Matthew Donato echoed these sentiments, calling the film’s third act confusing despite its creative premise.
The influence of producer Shyamalan, known for his signature plot twists, is felt throughout the film. Robert Kodjer of Flickering Myth pointed out that Caddo Lake has a sense of “unapologetic craziness,” likening it to Shyamalan’s previous works. TheWrap's William Bibbiani praised Scanlen's portrayal as the film’s standout performance, adding that while the movie excels as a serious drama, it leaves a lasting emotional impact.
Despite mixed feedback on its twists, Caddo Lake continues to garner attention for its suspenseful narrative and rich atmosphere. The film is available for streaming on Max, and with only 22 reviews so far, its Rotten Tomatoes score may evolve as more critics weigh in.
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