The Wasteland Reviewer

Keeper (2025) Written Review

What does Osgood Perkins have up his sleeve for his latest foray into the realm of horror? One of the most exciting elements of Perkins’ directorial career is that each film feels completely different. You have abstract and harrowing films like The Blackcoat’s Daughter. A darkly twisted fairy tale with Gretel & Hansel. You have a twisted crime thriller turned supernatural horror in Longlegs. You even have bonkers horror/comedies like The Monkey. But his latest film, Keeper, has been shrouded in mystery with little known about the film. But once you watch Keeper, you will understand why marketing has been shrouded in secrecy and why it is hard to explain. 

Does Perkins continue to deliver an amazing atmosphere and dread in Keeper? Absolutely. The biggest selling point of this film is the direction of Perkins. There is an eerie nature to the film that just crawls up underneath your skin and never leaves. There are inspired and dynamic directions that are enhanced with so many effective technical elements all around. The setting is pitch perfect with the cabin having the right dimensions and structure to maximize the types of scares that Perkins is going for. The camera is moving and framed in such specific ways that makes each shot feel so evocative. The aspect ratio and grit of the visuals (giving that “film” feel) makes the film and setting feel so claustrophobic and grounded. Cinematographer Jeremy Cox manages to capture dynamic camera angles that increase discomfort for the audience. The way that Perkins plays around with deep focus and the depth of field opens the door for so many great scares. One of the most haunting elements of the film must be the designs of the entities that become reoccurring elements of the film. There are disturbing beyond belief and there is one basement sequence that just might be one of the most uncomfortable cinematic experiences of the year.   

Does the screenplay from Nick Lepard match the daring directorial effort from Perkins? The film is a bit loose in structure and will challenge the audience to stay engaged and connected to the film. The tension and suspense that Perkins creates goes a long way but Lepard’s script struggles with focus even in a film that has a modest runtime. The film centers on the relationship between Tatiana Maslany’s Liz and Rossif Sutherland’s Malcolm. They take the leap in their relationship to go out to a secluded cabin, but it only gives space for dark secrets to unearth. This is much more of a thematic expression and a mystery than anything narratively satisfying. The ideas of relationship dynamics and the toxicity of male power dynamics is rooted deeply throughout this whole film. The mysteries from the film all stem from a twisted mixture of toxic power dynamics and motherhood. The is such a wild ride that it is hard to explain. But the feelings and atmosphere are undeniable while the narrative beats along the way might be hard for audiences to reckon with. By the end, these threads come together in a series of haunting and powerful moments including a wild and impactful final sequence that pulls many of these threads into view. 

Does the duo of Maslany and Sutherland bring the goods as well? Maslany is such a unique performer who has plenty of layers to what she brings to the screen. She is powerful and intense in some of the more climactic moments of the film. But it is vulnerability that stands out most from her performance. We see her navigating through her relationship trying to make things work even when there are plenty of red flags. We witness a spiral in Liz’s life throughout this film and Maslany sells every little aspect of it. Sutherland has a mysterious and strong presence throughout the film that makes him quite the interesting presence for Maslany to play off. He keeps the mystery going and is unshakable in his intensity. There needs to be some praise for the performers that bring these entities to life with the impressive (and disturbing) physicality to life. 

Is Keeper a horror film that will grab attention in the later parts of this year? This film is a hard sell (as are most of Perkins’ films). The earlier films in Perkins’ career were more abstract and bolder, and Keeper gets back to being closer to that type of vibe. This is a claustrophobic and haunting experience that will crawl underneath your skin and never let go. Maslany is an absolute gem, making this cinematic experience ever better. The last few scenes of this film are some of the most memorable and unnerving scenes in any horror film this year (including one of the most unnerving character designs that will burn in your brain). This film does not always come together but there are bold energy and thematic exploration that will hit for sure.