Directed by Osgood Perkins, best known for Longlegs starring Nicolas Cage and The Monkey, Keeper follows Liz (Tatiana Maslany), a young woman taken on a trip by her new boyfriend, Malcom (Rossif Sutherland), to his family’s secluded cabin in the woods. From the moment they arrive, the isolated setting establishes an unsettling atmosphere, suggesting that danger or something far more sinister lurks just out of sight. As Liz and Malcom settle in for a romantic dinner, Malcom’s brother and his new girlfriend arrive unexpectedly, further heightening the uneasy atmosphere. Adding to the sense of foreboding is a chocolate cake, prepared by the caretaker, sitting innocently in the corner yet carrying a menacing presence that seems to watch the unfolding events.

From this point, Perkins carefully and deliberately builds suspense. A mysterious presence seems to linger, and strange occurrences steadily escalate, particularly after Liz eats the chocolate cake. The film’s pacing maintains a constant undercurrent of dread that allows tension to grow rather than relying on constant shocks. What makes Keeper particularly effective is its ability to balance psychological suspense with moments of genuine, visceral terror. Tatiana Maslany delivers a highly convincing performance as Liz, conveying a blend of vulnerability, anxiety, and creeping paranoia that keeps the audience invested in her experience. The actors portraying Malcom’s brother and his girlfriend also contribute to the tension, deepening the unease and reinforcing the film’s claustrophobic atmosphere.

Keeper is a tightly constructed, deeply unsettling horror film. Unlike Perkins’ gory The Monkey, this story relies on atmosphere, dread, and subtle storytelling to build terror. Having previously enjoyed both Longlegs and The Monkey, I am now an admirer of Perkins’ distinctive style. With Keeper, he delivers a satisfying and unnerving cinematic experience, demonstrating that suspense, character, and mood can be just as terrifying as blood and gore.

    • Directed by: Osgood Perkins
    • Written by: Nick Lepard
    • Starring: Tatiana Maslany and Rossif Sutherland
    • Released: Nov. 14th, 2025
    • Running Time: 1hr 39min

Review by Claire Millane, a Dublin based actor and comedian. Follow on YouTube at COMEDYBreakz

Keepter Trailer

The Monkey DVD