We’ve Seen Keeper, & We Officially Know Why Osgood Perkins Kept It Such a Big Secret

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With the release of Longlegs in 2024 and The Monkey earlier this year, Osgood Perkins has quickly become a highly acclaimed director. He’s known for a distinct style, but also for not being afraid to challenge filmmaking conventions. Perkins’ movies are diverse in mood and consistently surprising. His latest film, Keeper, continues this trend.

Tatiana Maslany plays Liz, a woman who struggles with commitment but has been dating Malcolm (Rossif Sutherland) for a year. The movie, Keeper, centers on their trip to Malcolm’s family cabin—a secluded spot with a disturbing past. It’s a blend of folk horror, supernatural themes, and psychological thrills, and shows how director Oz Perkins has developed his skills since his first film, The Blackcoat’s Daughter.

What Is Oz Perkins’ Keeper About?

I just finished watching a film about Liz, a fiercely independent artist who’s cautiously optimistic about her year-long relationship with Malcolm, a genuinely good and secure doctor. He supports her dreams, which is wonderful, but she’s still hesitant about where things are headed. The movie centers around their trip to meet Malcolm’s family – what should be a lovely, bonding experience filled with good conversation and beautiful scenery quickly spirals into something truly terrifying and changes everything for Liz. It’s a really unsettling watch, and I was completely hooked.

Once Liz and Malcom arrive at the cabin, a strange presence starts to haunt Liz, following her everywhere inside. She feels like something is always with her, but Malcom doesn’t notice anything unusual. When Malcom has to return to the city for work, leaving Liz alone, the presence intensifies, and she begins to have frightening visions of deceased women.

The movie’s starting point might remind you of thrillers like What Lies Beneath, but it quickly moves into folk horror territory. In Keeper, the remote cabin isn’t simply a building – it demands a sacrifice.

The Folk Horror Takes a Shocking Turn for Tatiana Maslany’s Liz

Liz is deeply worried that Malcom isn’t being honest about whether he’s already in a relationship. She’s afraid she’s the ‘other woman,’ and her suspicions grow when he contradicts himself about his past. Then, she finds an old photo of him with another woman. When she confronts him, Malcom admits he’s only with her now, but reveals a disturbing reason for bringing her to the cabin. He’s made a deal with supernatural beings – witchlings in the woods – who require a life force to extend his lifespan. Despite claiming to love her, he’s unknowingly brought her there as a future sacrifice to prolong his own life.

Tatiana Maslany is a remarkably talented and adaptable actress, and her performance in Keeper truly highlights that. The film taps into the universal fear of being vulnerable, as Liz finds herself trapped and controlled by someone she trusted, despite being a strong and intelligent woman. The story shows how terrifying it is to let your guard down, especially when it could have life-threatening consequences for Liz. Maslany powerfully portrays the overwhelming fear and desperation Liz feels, making it a deeply moving and heartbreaking experience to watch.

Okay, so Malcom’s attraction to Liz isn’t random – she reminds him of someone from his childhood, which explains a lot. And after a whole lot of hardship, it looks like these witchlings are finally getting what they’ve been working towards. The big payoff? Liz is going to be the one to put an end to those disturbing sacrificial rituals, which is a relief, honestly.

The Ending of Keeper Is One of the Most Satisfying Since Midsommar

Although the film Keeper touches on women’s fears, it’s definitely not a celebration of harmful masculinity. In fact, it’s a surprisingly empowering story. As Liz struggles with pain and fear, she rediscovers her strength and takes action to stop Malcolm’s pattern of abuse, ultimately finding her purpose in life.

Watching Keeper reminded me of another folk horror film. Both films feature Florence Pugh as a young woman, Dani, who journeys to a place demanding sacrifice – though the reasons differ. Interestingly, both stories powerfully depict the women embracing new beginnings and dramatically escaping damaging relationships.

Although Keeper has a very different feel, look, and plot, it pairs well with the other film for a great double feature. Both movies wrap up with endings that are exciting and memorable, even if a bit dramatic.

Neon Has Been Secretive About Perkins’ New Horror Movie

Most movie studios spend a lot of money advertising new films with big campaigns, festival showings, and early reviews. However, Neon is doing things differently. With the release just around the corner, they haven’t released any traditional trailers or clips with critic quotes. This is especially surprising for a film of this quality, considering Neon is an independent studio.

Following the success of Neon’s biggest hit yet – a film that earned over $100 million – director Perkins has truly established themselves as a major talent. Now, simply announcing a Perkins film creates excitement, and for good reason. Their latest movie, Keeper, also promises some unexpected twists, particularly in its ending, which is sure to surprise and delight audiences.

We’re optimistic about this approach and believe it will work. Keeper is a standout folk horror film released recently and is well worth seeing when it comes to theaters on November 14th, courtesy of Neon.

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2025-11-11 20:42