Keeper ★★★

Keeper is a psychological folk horror film centered on Liz (Tatiana Maslany), who travels with her boyfriend Malcolm to a remote cabin for their anniversary getaway. What begins as a quiet romantic retreat quickly descends into a nightmare, as Liz experiences strange visions, uninvited guests, and unsettling clues about the cabin’s sinister history and Malcolm’s past.

The story unfolds around Liz’s growing suspicion of Malcolm, whose behavior becomes increasingly erratic as the weekend progresses. The appearance of a mysterious caretaker’s cake, an unsettling cousin named Darren, and recurring supernatural phenomena all deepen the film’s sense of unease. Perkins layers these elements to create a dense, eerie atmosphere filled with spectral imagery and folkloric horror. As the plot unravels, it’s revealed that Malcolm and Darren are part of a centuries-old ritual, sustaining their immortality through human sacrifice, a cycle born from an ancient tragedy connected to the woods.

Maslany anchors the film with a nuanced performance, portraying Liz’s gradual shift from cautious guest to someone bound to the cabin’s dark mythos. The final act weaves folklore and psychological horror into a chilling conclusion where trust, love, and survival collide.

Keeper stands out for its deliberate pacing, shadowy cinematography, and unnerving score, inviting viewers to sink into its oppressive mood. Though its slow burn may test some audiences, the payoff is both haunting and emotionally resonant. The film ultimately succeeds as a modern folk horror tale about intimacy, deceit, and the secrets buried within relationships.