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Our Story

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Director's Statement

Lake On The Cabin is more than a psychological horror film—it’s an exploration of the fragility of the human mind when faced with isolation, trauma, and the unknown. At its heart, this story examines the thin, often deceptive, line between reality and illusion, inviting the audience to step into Eve’s fractured psyche as she wrestles with her deepest fears.

The inspiration for this film emerged from the idea of artistic creation as both a form of expression and a mirror to one’s inner turmoil. Eve, a fragile artist, is driven by the need to channel her emotions into her art. Yet, as she becomes more immersed in the secluded and eerie environment of the cabin, her creativity spirals into chaos, uncovering buried trauma and blurring the boundaries of her reality. Through Eve’s journey, we delve into the duality of creation—its capacity to heal and its power to consume.

The cabin and its surroundings play a pivotal role in creating the unsettling atmosphere of the film. The lake, with its reflective yet infinite nature, symbolises the fractured reality Eve faces—a world that feels familiar yet alien. The juxtaposition of the serene natural setting with the mounting psychological terror serves as a metaphor for the masks we wear to conceal our inner fears.

I wanted "Lake On The Cabin" to immerse viewers in a visceral and atmospheric experience, drawing them into Eve’s unraveling mind. Through visual storytelling, we heighten the tension between the beauty of the setting and the sinister undertones of Eve’s ordeal. From the haunting painting that seems to hold a connection to her past to the eerie figure cloaked in white, every element is designed to evoke unease and curiosity, pulling the audience deeper into the narrative.

This film is also a meditation on the relationship between Eve and David, testing the strength of their bond under extraordinary circumstances. It’s not just Eve’s sanity that is at stake; their shared reality begins to fracture, forcing them to confront fears they cannot fully understand or escape.

Ultimately, "Lake On The Cabin" is an invitation to the audience to question their own perceptions of reality and illusion. It explores themes of identity, trauma, and the isolating nature of fear, leaving lingering questions about the truths we accept and the ones we suppress. By the end, I want viewers to leave with the unsettling sense that the most terrifying horrors often come from within—and that they might still be waiting, just beneath the surface.

Reviews

Review From Adrian Dean

Lake on the Cabin is a short psychological horror directed by Jem Karto, who is mostly known for his work as a cinematographer. The film takes an eerie and unconventional spin within a familiar setting, and the results are stunning.

The story follows Eve, played by Olivia McDermott. She is a young woman who has suffered a terrible loss and goes to stay alone in a remote cabin to escape the stresses of life. Little does she know, the cabin is host to an entity that preys on the lonely.

What the film does particularly well is showcase Jem’s flair for cinematic compositions. The visuals far exceed the budget and could easily be mistaken for an extract from a larger Hollywood production. The film does not suffer from having just two characters; instead, it excels by making the central character interesting enough to hold our attention for the majority of the runtime.

The film has a thoughtful pace that blurs the line between short and feature-length. It’s not as short as many horror films seen on YouTube but still doesn’t overstay its welcome. Although there are some familiar beats (as with all horrors), the film carefully treads the line and manages to keep us guessing.

I couldn’t help but notice the Jordan Peele-inspired style that is peppered throughout. The filmmakers did an excellent job of merging modern and classic horror elements in perfect harmony. I foresee a bright future for this beautifully shot short film.

BTS

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