‘Old Man’ VOD Review
Stars: Stephen Lang, Marc Senter, Patch Darragh, Liana Wright-Mark | Written by Joel Veach | Directed by Lucky McKee
Opening on a tapestry showcasing a cabin deep in the woods, director Lucky McKee allows viewers inside to watch its sleeping resident. An old man (Stephen Lang) awakens to discover the disappearance of his beloved companion, Rascal. Over the course of his search, the old man’s worry at loneliness transforms into spite, as a desire for vengeance stems from his abandonment. That is soon broken when a knocking is heard at the door.
Cautiously approaching the door with his gun, the old man discovers a lost hiker named Joe (Marc Senter). Distrust lingers in the old man, as he initially asks whether Joe is telling the truth and if he has been sent to spy on the cabin dweller. The lost hiker is frightened of the host, although he struggles for an alternative as the weather worsens outside.
Paranoia and suspicion linger between the pair, leading them to enquire into each other’s lives and better understand one another, although it becomes clear that a dangerous secret is being hidden. What unfolds is an effective two-hander between a fun pairing, as Lang captures a fierce demeanour while Senter conveys a more innocent look, yet lurking underneath are feelings of disorientation with the bad hand life delivers. The more time they spend together, the more their distrust transforms into a mutual understanding.
Working off Joel Veach’s screenplay, McKee delivers a subdued work isolated to this cabin right down to the flashbacks, where images and sounds blend into the confined setting. Key to the décor is a mountain cat’s head, mounted on the wall as it casts looks of judgement on those within. While there is a feeling of the film biding time until the eventual revelation, this is an effective chamber piece which holds one’s attention from interesting opening to surprising revelations.
***½ 3.5/5
Old Man is out now on digital platforms from Plaion Pictures UK.
