This is fantastic. A unique stand alone film, you're not going to find another movie similar to this.
If you require a movie that's going to play out exactly as expected without having to think about it this might not be a film you'll enjoy as much.
The acting is really great too. Writing. Cinematography. A+ stuff here strongly consider this

I agree with those who found it hard to watch. I think the problem is the viewer is likely to be outside, electing for an observing role. As the film proceeds, he is likely to abandon any hope that anything affirmative will surface.
Yet, what I see as a reminder that there are relentless forces out there which will be laying claim to us in due time, and remorselessly, qualifies as a job someone thinks worth doing.
Only half the box office of the director's debut, 'The Witch', with which it reportedly has some affinity.
Lear's role seems more moving, perhaps it is closer to human experience.
On the other hand, seaman's shanties heard here might be heard with new ears via the world view of these men who drive each other crazy.
After seeing 'The Witch' Dafoe contacted the director and asked to work with him.

The acting and the gorgeous black and white cinematography are outstanding in this movie. I didn’t find it scary but it is a compelling story about these men falling into madness.

I recommend watching this with subtitles. Unfortunately they can distract from the stunning black & white visuals, but I would have been somewhat lost during the dialogue-heavy scenes without them.

When a movie totally lacks any plot, it really does not matter how well it was filmed...that's just me...stupid movie...wasted my time on this...

Weird just for the sake of being weird . This could have been a great fantasy-drama if the director didn't feel like being pretentious and trying too hard with the symbolism . Great acting though

Weird, strange, bizarre events. I agree with other comments of this movie. Good actors, but plot was like trying to follow a movie from inside the head of someone going insane. Black and white. Few inappropriate and undesired scenes. Did not like it and was sorry I won't get those few hours back.

Didn't like this movie. It got tiresome. The movie tried to be a psycho drama on the order of an Alfred Hitchcock thriller but failed miserably. Sorry I wasted my time of this one.

It's a strange movie and a bit hard to follow. I like how someone commented "if you are lucky you'll fall asleep through the entire thing..." Haha, I can understand the sentiment. The acting is good: the portrayal of madness is flawless. It wasn't an enjoyable movie to watch though.

William DeFoe and Robert Pattinson on deserted lighthouse island. Defoe has sooo many lines it tires a person just listening to him. Both he and Robert Pattinson are excellent actors in this emotionally dark movie. It starts out with the older man who's the supervisor of the two and the younger man rowing out to the island to relieve two other lighthouse keepers.
The younger man worked very very hard hauling rocks and fuel plus keeping the living quarters clean and tidy. He was disappointed he could not work in the upper area where the light was but accepted his lot trying to save up for his future. The drinking water is not good. The older man coerces him to start drinking liquor. Both succumb to the worst depravity. The mermaid is throw into the movie to liven up their insanity. There were huge crashing waves and many seagulls. We watched this Halloween night so it went with that goulish and superstitious theme. The main enjoyment of our evening was pausing the movie to watch the awesome fireworks here in Lumby. We heard the only other town in BC to have fireworks besides us was Enderby. Then we reluctantly finished the movie.