The Vanishing (Keepers)

The movie is phenomenally well made and the three actors who fall apart on our watch suffer magnificently.

Even with its all-around noble dramatic intent, particularly from Butler, the film struggles to leave a mark.

Falling between the stools of thriller and drama, this speculative tale grows steadily less satisfying, despite a handsome look and a strong cast headed by Gerard Butler and Peter Mullan.

Fine performances and eerie atmospherics enhance this slow burner.

There's just something about lighthouses that inspires good psychodrama.

While Jorgen Johansson's windswept photography creates a credible sense of isolation (he filmed in part at the Mull of Galloway lighthouse), we sense the ominous rhythms of impending calamity.

A sparse script from Joe Bone and Celyn Jones helps bring the century's old tale to life, with the cast central keeping us guessing exactly where it'll take us.

Creaks in parts but atmospheric and gripping.

The Vanishing doesn't reinvent the wheel but for a satisfying thriller that sets itself such specific limitations and remains creative within those barriers, it makes for a fun Friday night watch.

Although the script doesn't make much use out of intriguing dialogue or deeply rooted motivations, all three actors provide thoughtful, tense, and competently dramatic performances.

Mullan delivers the most solid performance, keeping what might have been a dull movie afloat and injecting it with the zest it needs.

Pretty okay.