Jeffrey Reiner's new indie movie, 'Lake George', is his first venture back into big screen directing since the 1990s. Drawing inspiration from old film noirs, Reiner weaves a melancholic narrative that's grounded in the gritty reality of disillusioned and corrupt existences in Southern California. This is a tale painted with a broad brush, a story where even the most violent characters bear a level of sympathy.
The plot line follows middle-aged Don, portrayed by Shea Whigham, who finds himself living in a nondescript motel room with a thinning wallet and the dimming prospect of gaining employment. Don's only hope of extricating himself from his current predicament is a visit to his former boss, Armen, who owes him money. Armen lives a lavish lifestyle funded by his various criminal enterprises, yet in a cruel twist of irony, blames Don for his failure to become even richer. Armen promises to pay Don only if he kills his double-crossing mistress and business partner, Phyllis.
Phyllis, played by Carrie Coon, presents herself as a mere pawn in Armen's criminal machinations. However, when Don cannot bring himself to kill her, she convinces him that with her knowledge of Armen's operations, they can rob him and then escape to new lives.
The course of their daring plan is anything but smooth. Phyllis, who initially appears as a wronged victim, gradually reveals a ruthless side which astounds even the experienced Don. 'Lake George' offers a fresh take on the typical noir trope of the femme fatale - Phyllis is not a manipulative seductress, but a woman following her own sense of right and wrong.
The narrative follows an exciting path, from Glendale to the high Sierras, taking us through a series of home invasions and motel hideouts. If you're looking for an intriguing black comedy filled with unexpected twists and turns, then 'Lake George' is a must-watch. This intriguing narrative, with its layered characters, offers the viewer a nuanced, yet non-hyperbolic, viewing experience that pays off in unexpected ways.
