Film Review- The Lake House

Starring: Sandra Bullock, Keanu Reeves 

Directed: Alejandro Agresti

Released: 2006

Genre: Drama/Fantasy/Romance

Box Office: $115 million

The Lake House released in 2006, is a twist on a seemingly doomed romance. We see our two characters fall in love in unbelievable circumstances. Although it is a seemingly doomed relationship, we are constantly rooting for the star crossed lovers. It is an interesting twist on a long distance relationship. 

The contrast of the characters is a key plot point. Straight from the start we are shown how different they are. Sandra Bullocks character is a doctor who only has here mother in her life, whom she has a great relationship with. Whereas Keanu Reeves’ character Alex is a builder who only has his father in his life and doesn’t have the best relationship with him. 

I really love that their main connection is their dog Jack, who’s past self is with Alex and present self is with Kate. One scene that I love but also broke my heart was when Jack left Alex, as he loves her but he knows he has to let her go, just like Kate.

The music in the film was also very symbolic. The lyrics would always fit in well with the scene, almost telling the characters how they should be feeling, for example; “It’s too late” this is quite an early scene but gives a possible foreshadowing of what to come, “This is the way it should be” this plays when they are dancing together, indicating they are meant to be and should be together. “There will never be another” this is indicating too Kate that Alex is the one and she won’t find anyone else like him. 

I love how much chemistry Kate and Alex have even though they only have one scene where they are actually together. They have a good banter and bounce off of each other well. We can also see the deeper connection they have, particularly in the scene where Alex is given his fathers book by Kate and we see him become emotional. This is the first time we really see him show any emotion and it just fits that Kate was the one to help him get in touch with his feelings. 

I also like that they gave it a happy ending. The writers had all of the means to make it a tragic ending where they can never be together but luckily for the audience they get the happy ending we have been longing for, from the start.

Overall I think this is a very good film, perfect to stick on when your having a cosy movie day at home. It’s available on Netflix so give it a watch and let me know what you think. 

Thanks for reading!