Keeper (2025) by Osgood Perkins: Cabin Fever and Sinister Presences

Movie Summary: Alone in the Woods, with Something Else

"Keeper" is a 2025 American-Canadian horror and suspense thriller directed by Osgood Perkins and written by Nick Lepard. The film follows Liz, who accompanies her husband, Malcolm, on a romantic anniversary trip to a remote, secluded cabin. When Malcolm unexpectedly has to leave for the city, Liz finds herself utterly alone. Her solitude is quickly shattered by the growing realization that a sinister, unspeakable presence lurks within the cabin and its surroundings, which begins to expose the chilling, hidden past of the isolated location. Liz must then fight to survive against an unseen evil.

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32332404/

Link Review: https://www.indiewire.com/news/trailers/keeper-teaser-osgood-perkins-1235137369/

Release date: 14th November

Detailed Summary: Isolation and Dread

• The Romantic Getaway: Malcolm and Liz, a married couple, embark on what is intended to be a romantic anniversary retreat to a remote cabin. The initial atmosphere might suggest a quiet, intimate setting, but isolation quickly becomes a key element.

• Liz Left Alone: Early in their stay, Malcolm is unexpectedly called away to the city, leaving Liz by herself at the secluded cabin. This immediately sets the stage for vulnerability and growing dread.

• The Sinister Presence: As Liz is left alone, she begins to sense that she is not truly by herself. A malevolent, unspecified presence starts to manifest, escalating from subtle disturbances to more overt signs of terror.

• Unveiling the Cabin's Past: The sinister force seemingly connected to the cabin's history. The film hints that this presence is not random but tied to the location's chilling past, slowly revealing its secrets through Liz's terrifying experiences.

• Survival Against the Unknown: Liz is forced into a desperate fight for survival against this unspeakable evil. The horror is likely psychological and atmospheric, a signature of Perkins' work, rather than relying solely on jump scares.

• Voyeurism and the Male Gaze: The recently released teaser trailer, showing various women gazing into the camera with expressions shifting from beguilement to terror and covered in blood, suggests a thematic exploration of voyeurism and potentially the male gaze, hinting at a broader commentary within the horror.

• "This Place Isn't Right For Me": The tagline "You're not right for this place" and a voiceover in the trailer stating, "This place isn't right for me," underscore the sense of unease and foreboding.

Plot Summary: A Terrifying Anniversary Retreat

• A married couple, Liz and Malcolm, goes on a romantic anniversary trip to a secluded cabin.

• Malcolm unexpectedly leaves Liz alone at the cabin, cutting short their getaway.

• Liz soon realizes she is not alone and that a sinister presence is lurking within the cabin.

• As the terror escalates, the cabin's chilling and horrifying past is slowly revealed.

• Liz must fight for her life against an unspeakable evil tied to the remote location.

Director's Vision: Osgood Perkins' Signature Atmospheric Horror

Osgood Perkins (son of Anthony Perkins, known for "Psycho") has established himself as a distinctive voice in modern horror with films like "The Blackcoat's Daughter," "Gretel & Hansel," and "Longlegs." His vision for "Keeper" likely emphasizes:

• Atmospheric and Psychological Horror: Perkins is known for creating dread through unsettling atmosphere, slow-burn tension, and psychological torment rather than overt gore or jump scares. "Keeper" is described as a "dark trip."

• Intimate and Contained Storytelling: He often crafts stories that are "intimate, small, weird movies with, essentially, two characters" in single, isolated locations, maximizing tension from claustrophobia and vulnerability. He described "Keeper" as a "single-location, cabin-in-the-woods horror film, but it's really a relationship horror movie."

• Visual and Aural Minimalism: Perkins frequently employs stark visuals, deliberate pacing, and unsettling sound design to build suspense. The teaser trailer hints at this with an "eerie droning score" and a focus on unsettling gazes without dialogue.

• Exploration of Trauma and Grief (Implied): While not explicitly stated for "Keeper," Perkins' previous works often delve into themes of grief, trauma, and the psychological effects of isolation. The "chilling past" of the cabin suggests similar undertones.

• "Out of Necessity" Filmmaking: Perkins revealed "Keeper" was made quickly and "on the fly" outside Vancouver with an all-Canadian crew while his other project, "The Monkey," was on hold due to strikes, showing his adaptability and commitment to continuous work.

Themes: Isolation, Vulnerability, Unseen Evil, and Haunting Pasts

• Isolation and Vulnerability: Liz's solitude in the remote cabin amplifies her vulnerability, a classic horror trope that Perkins excels at exploring.

• Unseen/Unspeakable Evil: The horror is not just about a monster, but about a "sinister presence" that is often unseen or undefined, playing on primal fears of the unknown.

• Haunting Pasts: The cabin's "chilling past" suggests themes of historical trauma, residual evil, or secrets that refuse to stay buried, influencing the present.

• Trust and Betrayal (Implied): Malcolm's unexpected departure might introduce subtle themes of trust or abandonment, leaving Liz to face the horror alone.

• Voyeurism and the Gaze: Based on the teaser, the film might explore the concept of being watched, or the inherent fear in the "male gaze," turning a visual act into a source of terror.

Key Success Factors: Director's Hot Streak, Star Power, and NEON Marketing

• Osgood Perkins' Momentum: Following the critical acclaim and box office success of "Longlegs" (2024) and "The Monkey" (2025), Perkins is on a "genre hot-streak," making "Keeper" highly anticipated.

• Tatiana Maslany in a Lead Role: Tatiana Maslany, known for her versatile performances (e.g., "Orphan Black," "She-Hulk: Attorney at Law"), is a significant draw, and her previous collaboration with Perkins on "The Monkey" adds to the appeal.

• NEON Distribution: The independent distributor NEON, known for its strong marketing campaigns (like "Longlegs") and a curated slate of critically acclaimed and successful horror films, is handling the release, signaling confidence and potential for effective promotion.

• Intriguing Premise: A woman isolated in a haunted cabin confronting an unspeakable evil is a classic horror setup with broad appeal.

• Atmospheric Horror: For fans of more psychological and dread-filled horror, Perkins' signature style is a major draw.

Awards & Nominations: Anticipation Builds

As a film set for release in late 2025, "Keeper" has not yet been eligible for major industry awards or nominations. However, it is generating considerable anticipation within the horror community and among critics who follow Osgood Perkins' work.

• Director's Notable Recent Output: Osgood Perkins has been exceptionally prolific, with "Longlegs" released in July 2024 and "The Monkey" in February 2025, making "Keeper" his third feature film in a little over a year. This high output and the distinctive style of his previous films contribute to the buzz around "Keeper."

• Teaser Marketing: Neon, the distributor, is employing a cryptic and viral marketing campaign for "Keeper," similar to their successful strategy for "Longlegs," which has generated significant online discussion and anticipation. This includes a teaser trailer that played after the credits of "The Monkey."

Summary: "Keeper" is a highly anticipated horror release from Osgood Perkins, building on the director's recent prolific output and unique stylistic approach. While too early for major awards, its release is a significant event within the horror genre, amplified by an intriguing marketing campaign.

Critics' Reception: Early Impressions Hint at Eerie Tones

As of July 2025, detailed critical reviews for "Keeper" are not yet widely available, as the film's theatrical release is still several months away. However, early impressions from industry observers and those who have seen teaser material hint at its likely reception.

• Atmospheric and Eerie: Early reactions to the teaser trailer and promotional material consistently describe the film as having a "dark vibe" and being "eerie" and "creepy." This aligns with Perkins' established style of creating unsettling atmospheres.

• Perkins' Signature Style: Reviewers expect "Keeper" to showcase Perkins' characteristic slow-burn dread, psychological horror elements, and a focus on unsettling visuals rather than jump scares. Some speculate it will be a "dark trip" with personal themes, possibly revolving around "inherited trauma and the unknowability of death," as hinted by Tatiana Maslany.

• Anticipation for Tatiana Maslany's Role: Tatiana Maslany, who also appeared in Perkins' "The Monkey," is expected to have a more prominent role in "Keeper." Her performance in "The Monkey" was praised, increasing anticipation for her work here.

• Comparison to Previous Work: Many discussions compare "Keeper" to Perkins' previous films, "Longlegs" and "The Monkey," with fans and critics debating which might be his most impactful work or whether it will diverge significantly in tone. Some anticipate a "much darker tone than The Monkey."

• Subversion of Tropes: While the synopsis points to a familiar "isolated cabin" trope, Perkins is known for putting his own unique stamp on genre conventions, suggesting "Keeper" will offer more than a generic haunted house story.

Summary: Critical reception for "Keeper" is still nascent, but early impressions suggest it will be another atmospheric, eerie, and psychologically driven horror film characteristic of Osgood Perkins. Anticipation is high for its distinctive style and Tatiana Maslany's performance within a classic horror setting.

Reviews: A Romantic Getaway Turns Horrific

While full reviews are pending, the released synopsis and teaser details provide a glimpse into the film's core narrative.

• Plot Overview: "Keeper" follows a couple, Liz (Tatiana Maslany) and Malcolm (Rossif Sutherland), who embark on what is intended to be a romantic anniversary weekend at a secluded cabin.

• Sudden Isolation: The terror begins when Malcolm unexpectedly leaves for the city, leaving Liz isolated and alone in the remote cabin.

• Unspeakable Evil: As Liz finds herself alone, she is confronted by a "sinister presence" or "unspeakable evil" lurking within the cabin. The film's tagline, "You're not right for this place," reinforces this sense of foreboding and unwelcome intrusion.

• Cabin's Horrifying Secrets: The presence in the cabin is not just a general evil; it seems connected to the location itself, promising to "unveil the cabin's horrifying secrets." This suggests a supernatural or deeply disturbing history tied to the setting.

• Teaser Visuals: The teaser trailer released showcases a series of women throughout different time periods (from Victorian to modern-day), initially looking lovingly or curiously into the camera, before their expressions turn to terror, culminating in images of them screaming and covered in blood. This suggests a pattern of victims or a history of horror associated with the "place."

Summary: "Keeper" is set to be a suspenseful horror film about Liz, a woman who finds herself isolated at a secluded cabin after her husband abruptly leaves. She must confront a sinister evil and the horrifying secrets of the cabin, hinting at a disturbing history and a pattern of victims. The film is expected to deliver Osgood Perkins' signature blend of psychological dread and unsettling atmosphere.

Theatrical Release: November 14, 2025 (USA)

"Keeper (2025)" is scheduled for a wide theatrical release in the United States on November 14, 2025, distributed by NEON. International theatrical releases begin slightly earlier in some territories (e.g., Russia/CIS on October 23, 2025).

Why to Watch This Movie: For Fans of Smart, Atmospheric Horror

• Osgood Perkins' Directorial Style: If you appreciate horror that relies on atmosphere, psychological tension, and a slow burn rather than cheap scares, this film is for you.

• Tatiana Maslany's Performance: A chance to see the highly acclaimed actress in a lead role within the horror genre, under a director known for drawing strong performances.

• Intriguing Premise: The classic "isolated cabin" scenario gets a likely fresh and unsettling spin under Perkins' direction.

• NEON's Track Record: The distributor's success with recent horror hits suggests a quality and well-marketed film.

• Chilling Atmosphere: Expect a film that prioritizes creating a pervasive sense of dread and unease.

Movie Trend: Auteur-Driven Atmospheric Horror

"Keeper" fits squarely into the burgeoning trend of auteur-driven atmospheric horror, where directors with distinct artistic visions (like Osgood Perkins, Robert Eggers, Ari Aster) prioritize mood, psychological depth, and unsettling visuals over conventional jump scares and explicit gore. These films often explore themes of isolation, grief, psychological decay, and the subtly supernatural, building a pervasive sense of dread through slow pacing, intricate sound design, and strong central performances. This trend is gaining significant traction, particularly with distributors like NEON, appealing to audiences seeking more sophisticated and thought-provoking horror experiences.

Social Trend: Anxiety of Isolation and Unseen Threats

The film taps into the contemporary social trend of anxiety surrounding isolation and the pervasive fear of unseen or insidious threats. In a world that often grapples with mental health, the psychological impact of being alone, and the rise of elusive "threats" (from online misinformation to unseen contagions), "Keeper" offers a visceral dramatization. The remote cabin setting externalizes the internal anxieties of modern life, where a sense of security can be easily shattered by something just beyond one's perception. It resonates with a collective unease about what lurks beneath the surface of apparent normalcy, whether it be personal demons or societal decay.

Final Verdict: A Highly Anticipated Addition to Atmospheric Horror

"Keeper (2025)," Osgood Perkins' latest horror offering, is a highly anticipated film poised to deliver a masterclass in atmospheric and psychological dread. With Tatiana Maslany in a leading role, the film promises to be a tense, isolated nightmare as a woman confronts an unspeakable evil at a secluded cabin. Building on Perkins' strong track record for creating deeply unsettling and intelligent horror, and bolstered by NEON's effective marketing, "Keeper" is set to be a significant release for fans of the genre. While formal reviews are pending its November 2025 release, the pre-release buzz confirms it as a must-watch for anyone seeking a sophisticated and chilling cinematic experience that prioritizes pervasive dread over cheap thrills.