Creating Permanent Fear, Check out the Synopsis and Facts of the Documentary Horror Film 'LAKE MUNGO' that is Hard to Forget

Kapanlagi.com - Written by Rachel Carisa Oswandi

Most of the audience of the film LAKE MUNGO agrees that this film still haunts them even though they have watched it a long time ago. Released in 2008, this film is currently being widely discussed on X (Twitter) after the film enthusiast account @HabisNontonFilm mentioned that this film successfully gives chills and is hard to forget. Many netizens also agree with the account's opinion and say that this film is one of the scariest horror films with the best twist.

What makes LAKE MUNGO different from other horror films is the creepy element presented in a simple way without jump scares or excessive acting from the cast, like most horror films. This film sells in terms of its story, which revolves around the loss of a loved one in a family, leaving deep sadness and trauma. The storytelling in the form of a documentary by the director makes this entirely engineered film feel real, leaving questions for the audience about its authenticity.

The film by director Joel Anderson even received many positive comments with a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Besides leaving deep fear, the audience will also be invited to pay attention to their loved ones around them. Curious to know more about this horror film that is hard to move on from? Let's check out the synopsis and facts here!

1. Synopsis

Film Poster LAKE MUNGO (imdb.com)

LAKE MUNGO tells the story of the disappearance of Alice Palmer, a 16-year-old girl who is believed to have drowned in a lake. Her family is devastated and buries Alice after the gruesome discovery of her body. However, strange phenomena such as voices and sightings of Alice in photos and videos occur after her death.

The family tries to prove that Alice is still alive, digging up her grave and performing rituals that reveal Alice's presence. The mystery becomes more complex with the discovery of new evidence about Alice's true identity and the secrets behind her death.

2. Cast

LAKE MUNGO (imdb.com)

What makes this fictional documentary film feel real and terrifying is the acting from the cast, which is considered very natural and not overdone. Although the cast received praise, not all of them come from A-list stars. When selecting the cast, Joel and the team sought actors with low profiles to maintain the authenticity of the documentary concept. 

Here is a list of the cast of the film LAKE MUNGO:

Rosie Traynor as June Palmer

David Pledger as Russell Palmer

Martin Sharpe as Mathew Palmer

Talia Zucker as Alice Palmer

Steve Jodrell as Ray Kemeney

Tania Lentini as Georgie Ritter

Cameron Strachan as Leith Ritter

Judith Roberts as Iris Long

Robin Cuming as Garrett Long

Marcus Costello as Jason Whittle

Chloe Armstrong as Kim Whittle

Carole Patullo as Sandy Drouin

Tamara Donnellan as Marissa Toohey

Scott Terrill as Brett Toohey

Joel Anderson as Interviewer

3. Low Production Budget

LAKE MUNGO (imdb.com)

This documentary-style film does not require a lot of budget in its production process. The director and the film production team of LAKE MUNGO wanted to make a breakthrough by creating a film that can be produced with a low budget.

During an interview with reviewer John Catania from M/C reviews, Joel revealed that, “I have written scripts for more complex and difficult-to-fund productions. And I have spoken to several people who eventually collaborated on this film, and we thought it would be good if we could write something designed to be manageable and cheap,” he said.

To achieve this, Joel had to consider certain techniques, which he referred to as follows, “I think if we use some of those techniques in the film, it also means we can make a low-budget film. For example, using cell phones, and the like,” said Joel.

4. Losing a Loved One is Scary

LAKE MUNGO (imdb.com)

The film mentioned, which is hard to forget, does not present many jump scares to frighten the audience. On the other hand, the film focuses more on the story of a family experiencing the loss of their beloved family member and feeling deep sadness. With the same interviewer, Joel revealed that the idea of losing someone you love, like family, is something that scares everyone.

"It is a very human and very real fear," said Joel.

Joel also added that, "It is also good to be made into a story because it is a way to explore many things about what is important to people, how people face unimaginable things, how people deal with grief, and how everything feels unreasonable," he said.

(kpl/rcl)