Hey gang, Valkor here. Welcome back to another round of MediaView, where we look at some of the filmverse's hits and misses. This next film to come across my desk is a definite hit! And it will get many replays in the cave! Check it out, it's called Lore! And from beginning to end, this anthology is a terrifying yet entertaining experience that shouldn't be missed! Minimal spoilers ahead!
Lore is a horror anthology that kicks things off with four friends who embark on a "once in a lifetime" camping experience. When they encounter Darwin (Richard Brake), the most creepy of guides, he makes them set camp and start a fire. Once done, the group sits around the campfire, where Darwin asks them to tell a story after they've placed a totem in the flames. At first, the four are reluctant to do it, but eventually one by one each tells their deepest, darkest tale.
The Shadow – One man is on the run from two thugs whom he stole from. The chase ends in a warehouse where a demonic creature lurks in the shadows. Or is it?
The Hidden Woman – A mother and son move into a house that they've inherited. Things appear normal at first until a ghostly figure makes its appearance. And their lives will never be the same.
Cross Your Heart – This is a tale of a couple who are venturing into the swinger's life. However, they soon get way more than what they bargain for!
The Key Chain Man (Valkor's favorite) – Three friends are off to the theater to catch a flick. Once there, they meet Gareth, a rather large man, working the concessions counter. He's having issues ringing up the group's order, so he calls a manager to assist. When the manager arrives, he berates Gareth and eventually fires him for his lack of skills. Enraged, Gareth dons one of the promotional masks at the counter takes the manager's pen out of his pocket, and proceeds to stab him with it. One of the friends, who went out to use the restroom, witnesses the attack and runs back to alert the others. And that's when things get gruesome for the friends and anyone else inside.
Once story time is over, the four friends call it a night. But when they wake up, they find that Darwin is gone along with some of their personal items. The film doesn't end there as we follow one of the girls to their home, only to pass by a television screen showing a news story about a massacre in a movie theater. How are the stories linked? Well, the final part of the film explains all that. And that's one horrific reveal! But let's move on to the TOV Breakdown!
The Good:
Lore ranks as my new favorite horror film. In addition, it's among the best horror anthologies I've seen throughout my time with TOV. Lore provides all the gore, terrifying jump scares, and powerful moments a horror fan would want. The lead story starts things off properly. But once you get into the shorts, you're in for a wild ride! All of the stories are great. However, Key Chain Man is the standout and the perfect way to end this chilling film. Would I mind seeing another Key Chain Man short or a longer film based on Gareth? Definitely not! The finale to Lore is where it all comes together. And it's the film's most chilling moment. The acting is solid and everyone performs well enough. However, Finbar Healy outshines them all as Key Chain Man. Maybe I'm overhyping the character. But it's a character I truly want to see more of. In the end, Lore is a horror anthology filled with so much awesome that you shouldn't pass up!
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The Ugly:
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You can find Lore streaming on Tubi or pick up a DVD on Amazon. Whichever format you choose, either way, you can't go wrong. It's a rock-solid horror anthology filled with enough blood, guts, and terror that will leave you screaming for more. I highly recommend it! And out of TOV 5 stars, I'm giving Lore a 5!
