In theaters on November 14, 2025, through Neon, Keeper is the newest film from Director Osgood Perkins (Longlegs 2024, The Monkey 2025), a filmmaker known for his atmospheric slow burns and unsettling sense of dread. The story follows Liz (Tatiana Maslany: Destroyer 2018, The Monkey 2025) and Malcolm (Rossif Sutherland: Possessor 2020, Murder in a Small Town series), as they head to a secluded cabin for their anniversary trip. What begins as a romantic getaway quickly turns ominous when a dark presence emerges, forcing the couple to confront the property’s disturbing history. The film has all the elements for a memorable Horror experience, but its execution falls short, leaving the payoff of the slow-burning tension muted and ultimately unsatisfying.
The tension building in Keeper is undeniably strong, with an ever-present sense of unease that settles in early and never quite lets go. Perkins knows how to craft eerie moments and unsettling silences, and the creep factor is often the film’s greatest asset. Yet for all the skill in creating atmosphere, the story itself never develops into anything particularly compelling. The film builds and builds, hinting at more profound mysteries and emotional revelations, but ultimately it does not take the audience anywhere especially interesting. The result is a haunting mood in search of a narrative worthy of it.
Tatiana Maslany delivers the film’s most compelling performance as Liz, grounding the story with an emotional authenticity the script itself does not always support. Some of the choices written for her character feel confusing or inconsistent, yet Maslany makes even the most puzzling moments feel believable.
Meanwhile, Rossif Sutherland gives a quietly unsettling performance as Malcolm, creating a lingering unease from the moment he appears. His behavior often seems strange and slightly off, adding tension even during calm scenes. At first, these choices may feel puzzling, but by the film’s final reveal, the intent behind his actions becomes clear. His tone, manner of speaking, and emotional distance all serve as clues to the truth, allowing viewers to appreciate the careful layering of his performance and how it subtly foreshadows the film’s twist.
One of the film’s bigger misses is the lack of believable chemistry between the couple, which is especially noticeable given that the story centers on their relationship. Early on, audiences may wonder why these two people are together, as their interactions often feel stilted and awkward. Moments that should convey intimacy or connection instead highlight tension or distance, making it difficult to invest in their bond. This shortcoming undercuts some of the emotional stakes, leaving key scenes of fear and vulnerability less impactful than they might have been.
Oddly, the film rushes through its ending. In a slow burn, there is an expectation of a bold finale as a reward, giving the tension a payoff that matters. The reveal at the end of Keeper had potential, but instead it raises more questions than it answers, likely leaving audiences confused – i.e., “what the eff did I just watch?” On top of this, the CGI in the climax undermines the creatures’ realism, rendering the film’s only Horror moment unscary.
Keeper is another big swing from Perkins and his signature style of atmospheric, psychologically driven Horror. While it hits some of the familiar notes that make his work compelling, it ultimately struggles to balance mood with narrative payoff, leaving the film more admired for its craft than remembered for its story. The concept feels tightly contained, and the story might have worked better as a short film or a standalone episode of Black Mirror, where the tension and creepiness could have been fully realized without overstaying its welcome. This is why Cryptic Rock gives Keeper 2.5 out of 5 stars.
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