In the world of low-budget horror, a promising premise can often be the key to success, but the new film Lure struggles to deliver on its intriguing setup. This horror farce, available on digital platforms from 2 February, attempts to blend romance with terror but ultimately falls short, leaving viewers with a sense of disappointment rather than dread.
A Premise Full of Potential
The story centres on a seductive young woman who invites six eligible bachelors to her family's stately country home for what seems like a romantic weekend getaway. However, the plot quickly twists into a nightmarish scenario where the men find themselves trapped in a deadly game that merges reality TV with the brutal mechanics of the Saw franchise. On paper, this fusion of The Bachelorette and a femme-fatale Jigsaw character holds the potential for a thrilling and darkly humorous experience.
Execution Falls Flat
Despite its creative concept, Lure fails to achieve the necessary suspension of disbelief that is crucial for horror films. The movie often feels more like a student theatre production than a cinematic endeavour, lacking the immersive quality needed to engage audiences. Viewers are left observing the action from a distance, never fully invested in the characters' fates or rooting for their escape—or demise.
One of the film's significant issues is its indecisive tone from the outset. It oscillates between different horror subgenres without committing to any, creating a disjointed narrative. Is it a folk horror tale with a man fleeing through rainy woods, a torture porn scenario with a shackled victim, or a chilling story about a twisted family in an elegant mansion? Lure attempts to be all three, but the result feels more like channel hopping than a cohesive, bracing experience.
Technical and Thematic Shortcomings
The film's flimsiness extends beyond its narrative to its practical elements. For instance, the restraints used on the characters—modest plastic cable ties and wispy gags—appear highly escapable, undermining the tension and believability of their predicament. This lack of conviction in staging detracts from the horror, making it difficult for the audience to take the threats seriously.
While there are isolated moments that hint at what could have been, such as brief flashes of creativity or suspense, they are not enough to salvage the overall experience. Lure serves as a reminder that in horror cinema, execution is just as important as the idea itself, and without a firm directorial hand, even the most promising premises can falter.
In summary, Lure is a film that, despite its eligible bachelors and horror-infused dating game setup, never lives up to its potential. It remains a missed opportunity in the low-budget horror landscape, likely to leave fans of the genre wanting more substance and scares.
