Four years ago, newcomer Robert Eggers delivered “The Witch” and received rave reviews, almost across the entire board. Expectations remained high and, now, the next in line has come. It should be noted that there was a specific audience which was drawn into his debut movie and they are the ones who most-eagerly awaited this follow-up, of sorts. However, it is, indeed, a limited crowd of spectators and “The Lighthouse” appears to be no different, in that regard. In addition, the critics have not wavered, thus far, in their overall reception and that speaks well for the immediate future of this director. “The Lighthouse”may, very well, garner prestigious acclaim, as its predecessor did, but I predict that even the highest level of award status, such as The Golden Globes and The Academy Awards, will take note of this film, unique to “The Witch.”

The first two details of importance involve the appearance, from a technical standpoint: it is shown in Black and White (B&W) and displayed in a 1:33 aspect ratio. For those of you who are unfamiliar with this terminology, it basically means that this movie looks like one that would have been featured during the Golden Age of film, in the vein of the original “King Kong” or something else from that era. Who knows what motivated this decision, but it certainly gives the movie a different look, especially in the 21^st century of filmmaking.

There are but two actors in this story, at least worth mentioning: Willem Dafoe (“Aquaman”) as Thomas Wake and Robert Pattinson (“Damsel”) as Ephraim Winslow. There is, technically, an actress, who portrays an imaginary mermaid, but she has no spoken lines.

The standard and boundaries are set, moments in, when a serious-looking premise is halted by the sound of “wind breaking.” Wake and Winslow banter at the eating table, which becomes an all-too-familiar sight. Much of the long-winded side of the dialogue goes to Dafoe’s character and he enunciates his words with expert delivery. It was just two years ago that Dafoe earned a much-deserved Oscar nomination for his understated performance in “The Florida Project.” Assuming he earns another nomination, this role is the kind more-likely to earn votes that could amount to a win because it is more memorable and dynamic and humorous.

Not to be outdone or upstaged, Pattinson holds his own as Winslow, bringing to mind the strong presence of a multi-nominated (and victorious) actor, Daniel Day-Lewis. While Pattinson might lack the total charisma of such an actor, he is still on track to earn some accolades of his own for this performance.

Setting itself apart from even the most provocative of films today, the execution of imagery and tight editing are second to almost none. Typically, the most shocking of images are but brief flashes, which will likely leave you wondering if you really saw what you think you just saw. You probably did! It is difficult to say what could have inspired some of these elements. When a supposed comedian makes an outrageously off-color joke, it is understood that it is simply meant to be so shocking that it cannot be serious, but rather just hilarious. Sometimes, it works, does it not?

At a point, I believed I was seeing a drastic turn in the story; one that would set a new precedent for the rest of the movie. I waited with anticipation for a hard punchline, but it never truly came. Is it possible for a writer to outthink himself to the point of losing a golden opportunity for one incredible payoff, in the end? Of course it is! I just wish that I knew if this was the desired outcome for the filmmakers involved.

“The Lighthouse” is sure to reach cult status and develop a devoted following, similarly to “The Witch,” but will those who missed out on “The Witch” have the same experience with “The Lighthouse” as those who witnessed “The Witch” ahead of “The Lighthouse?” I do not know, but I am suddenly being whisked away into some strange form of life imitating art, where I wonder what is supposed to be real and what is simply perceived to be real. If you happen to know and understand what in the world “The Lighthouse” is supposed to be, then you have my admiration and respect. As for the rest of us, we should at least admire and respect this film for what we perceive it to be… plus a few breathtaking sights, both beautiful and ugly; symbolic or literal; understood or confusing; both gory and mesmerizing.

Director: Robert Eggers

Screenwriters: Robert Eggers and Max Eggers

Cinematography: Jarin Blaschke

Editor: Louise Ford

Starring: Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson

Distributors: A24 (United States) and VVS Films (Canada)

Release: May 19^th, 2019 (Cannes), October 18^th, 2019 (Limited, United States) and October 25^th, 2019 (Wide, United States)