The lake of the dead

The Mermaid: Lake of the Dead (2018) – A Dark Dive into Slavic Folklore

The Mermaid: Lake of the Dead is a 2018 Russian supernatural horror film directed by Svyatoslav Podgaevskiy. Deeply inspired by Slavic mythology, the film centers on the legend of the "rusalka"—a water spirit or drowned maiden who lures the living to their doom. Blending folklore with contemporary psychological horror, the film delivers an eerie and visually atmospheric story about love, death, and the dark pull of the supernatural.

The narrative follows a young man named Roma, who is engaged to Marina. As they prepare for their wedding, Roma travels to a remote lakeside area where he encounters a mysterious woman who draws him in with an irresistible, otherworldly charm. Unknown to him, this woman is the spirit of a drowned girl—a mermaid cursed to haunt the lake forever. Her power begins to take hold of Roma, changing his personality and distancing him from Marina. The more time he spends near the lake, the deeper he falls under the spell of the rusalka.

Marina, sensing something is terribly wrong, tries to uncover the truth and save the man she loves. She learns about the tragic story behind the spirit—a woman betrayed, drowned, and transformed into a vengeful ghost. As Marina confronts the ancient legend, she realizes that saving Roma may require her to risk her own life and sanity. The deeper she ventures into the mystery, the more blurred the lines between reality and myth become.

Visually, the film excels in creating a haunting, dreamlike atmosphere. The cinematography emphasizes the isolation and unnatural beauty of the lake, surrounding forests, and fog-covered water. Muted tones, eerie lighting, and the use of stillness all contribute to an overwhelming sense of dread. The mermaid herself is portrayed not just as a monster, but as a tragic and seductive figure—one that embodies both beauty and danger.

The performances are solid, with Viktoriya Agalakova giving a strong turn as Marina, conveying a mix of vulnerability and determination. Efim Petrunin plays Roma with increasing detachment as he succumbs to the mermaid’s enchantment. Sofya Shidlovskaya, as the mermaid, exudes both mystery and menace with minimal dialogue, relying on presence and expression to convey the character’s otherworldly nature.

While the film's pacing occasionally falters and some plot points are left underdeveloped, its strengths lie in its mythic foundation and strong visual style. Rather than relying heavily on gore or jump scares, it leans into slow-building tension, emotional decay, and tragic romance. The combination of folklore and horror gives it a unique voice, especially for viewers unfamiliar with Slavic mythologies.

In summary, The Mermaid: Lake of the Dead offers a chilling and poetic dive into ancient legends. It explores the idea that some love stories are cursed from the beginning, and that the past—especially when left unresolved—can pull us back into the depths. While not a perfect film, it succeeds in crafting a moody, supernatural experience that lingers long after the final scene.