The Loft Review: Nothing New

Secrets, lies and deception are the basic thread running through the heart of “The Loft.”

Five friends share a secret. A place where they can bring their mistresses without the fear of being caught by their wives, but when a young woman is found murdered there these five friends, who once trusted each other with their biggest secret are thrown into a world of distrust. Torn apart by the reality that one of them is lying.

This movie is actually a remake. It was made originally in 2008 and released in Belgium. Erik Van Looey directed both the original and this version. Because of its box office success in Belgium it was made again in 2010 this time released in the Netherlands. The third time however was not a charm for this thriller.

Opening with a rainy night, and a body laying on top of a car while a dark shadowy figure peers over a balcony several stories up The Loft starts off fairly strong getting right to the point and pulling you in. Keeping you interested however doesn’t come so easily. As the plot unfolds it starts to feel less like a movie and more like a weekly crime drama drawn out over almost 2 hours.

The movie would be better if these five friends were characters you actually cared about, but there are no redeeming qualities to any of these men. They are pigs that treat the women in their lives, including the ones they are married to, as objects. There is never a moment of understanding or compassion for these men, which makes it hard to care what happens to them at all.

The women in this film are not much better. The wives all seem to be stuck in miserable loveless marriages. Satisfied with burying their heads in the sand and ignoring the obvious. The mistresses are stuck in situations they don’t want to be in, and instead of walking away they linger making them come across as needy and insecure.

The plot is strong, returning to the murder every time another layer is added to this story, but with no likable characters, and no real passion, love or hope for the viewer to cling to the film just falls flat.

Eric Stonestreet’s portrayal of Marty Landry gave viewers the most enjoyable moments this film had to offer. Although it seemed that he was supposed to be a supporting character, he had the standout performance, saving the movie on more than one occasion. With such a dark plot and unlikable characters Stonestreet does give the movie some much needed laughter. These moments were the only times the audience seemed to react in any way.

Although one might find themselves checking the time, waiting for this movie to end, the plot twists that so neatly and cleverly wrap up all the loose ends almost make it worth the wait.

“The Loft,” with its obnoxious leading men and lengthy storytelling will be a disappointment for any fan of the thriller genre. Although it has a suspenseful start, and some tense moments, it quickly loses its steam leaving the viewer to realize this movie would have been best kept a secret.