The Mermaid: Lake of the Dead

The Mermaid: Lake of the Dead (original Russian title: Rusalka: Ozero myortvykh) is a 2018 Russian horror-fantasy film directed by Svyatoslav Podgaevskiy. The movie offers a chilling reinterpretation of Slavic folklore, particularly the legend of the Rusalka—a water spirit believed to be the restless soul of a young woman who died tragically near a body of water.

🧜‍♀️ Plot Summary

The story centers on Roman (Efim Petrunin), a competitive swimmer, and his fiancée, Marina (Viktoriya Agalakova). As their wedding approaches, Roman's friends organize a bachelor party at his family's secluded summer house by a lake. During the festivities, Roman encounters a mysterious woman (Sofia Shidlovskaya) by the lake who seduces him with a kiss, initiating a supernatural curse.

This enigmatic woman is revealed to be a Rusalka—a vengeful spirit of a young woman who drowned centuries ago. She becomes obsessed with Roman, aiming to drag him into her underwater realm to keep him forever. As Roman's health deteriorates and he experiences haunting visions, Marina must confront her deepest fears and unravel the dark history of the Rusalka to save her beloved.

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director: Svyatoslav Podgaevskiy

• Writers: Natalya Dubovaya, Ivan Kapitonov, Svyatoslav Podgaevskiy

• Cast:

  • Viktoriya Agalakova as Marina

     

  • Efim Petrunin as Roman Kitaev

  • Sofia Shidlovskaya as Lisa Grigorieva / The Mermaid

  • Nikita Elenev as Ilya

  • Sesil Plezhe as Olga

🌊 Themes & Style

The Mermaid: Lake of the Dead delves into themes of love, betrayal, and the supernatural. It draws heavily from Slavic mythology, presenting the Rusalka not as a benevolent mermaid but as a malevolent entity driven by sorrow and vengeance. The film's atmospheric cinematography and haunting score contribute to its eerie ambiance, reminiscent of Japanese horror films like The Ring and Dark Water.

📸 Visuals

The film is noted for its striking visuals, particularly the portrayal of the Rusalka. She is depicted with long, wet hair, pale skin, and an otherworldly presence that embodies both allure and terror. The lake setting serves as a character in itself, its dark waters hiding secrets and dangers that are central to the narrative.

📺 Where to Watch

The Mermaid: Lake of the Dead is available for streaming on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video. It can also be purchased or rented on DVD and Blu-ray through retailers like Amazon and Fandango at Home.

For those interested in horror films that intertwine folklore with modern storytelling, The Mermaid: Lake of the Dead offers a unique and chilling experience.