Erik Bloomquist is one of my favorite film-makers. His previous short film, She Came From the Woods, was my favorite movie of 2017 and I watch well over one hundred due to my time writing for this website. His knack for creating a palpable atmosphere and enchanting story is untouchable, and I’ll always yearn to get a glimpse at his latest projects. Once such title, Long Lost, his receiving a limited, 30-city theatrical release starting March 29th 2019, followed by an Amazon-exclusive digital release on April 10th 2019. Can lightning strike twice? Well, yes, and you’re about to see why Long Lost surprised me and turned out much better than I expected. Based on the story by Erik Bloomquist, Carson Bloomquist and Adam Weppler, this uncomfortable family has a lot of skeletons in their closet. When Seth discovers a long lost half brother named Richard, he’s quickly whisked away to a mansion to die for; equipped with a pool, home theater and Abby, Richard’s maybe girlfriend or mind-fucked slave. During the long weekend at the luxurious Connecticut property, Richard’s enigmatic, eccentric lifestyle starts to wear on Seth, starting him down the path of a psychological journey consisting of temptation, treachery and taboo topics. Adam Weppler (“The Cobblestone Corridor”), Catherine Corcoran (Terrifier) and Nicholas Tucci (You’re Next) star in the feature length directorial debut from Erik Bloomquist.
Shot under Indie Rights Movies and Mainframe Pictures, Long Lost isn’t really much of a horror film by today’s standards. Although, one can make the argument that it’s successful in a Jordan Peele way because it’s inherently uncomfortable and thrives with bizarre originality. Long Lost is also an award winning, erotic psychological thriller and I’m happy that everyone involved with this title, including distribution, is packaging it truthfully. That only makes me champion it more, because I can tell audiences exactly what to expect and what they’re in store for. If you like Alfred Hitchcock movies, or if you’re looking for something different, Long Lost is definitely the movie for you because it starts out honest and genuine enough before slowly descending into madness. It’s not about blood drenched walls and piles of bodies. No, this film takes a more primal approach in building its atmosphere and suspense, resulting in a Hitchcock environment where any stolen moment could be your last. While the entire cast is amazing in their roles (and great to look at), it’s Nicholas Tucci as Richard who absolutely steals the show. He’s domineering, calculated, pushy, creepy and batshit crazy. He’s the perfect villain without ever lifting a finger to hurt anyone. His version of crazy fits in right at home with the feel of this movie, one of awkward familiarity and culture clashing. Richard is too enigmas in one body and every breath he takes on screen will have you feeling uneasy.
Long Lost just generates this static energy that’s going to draw audiences to it like a magnet. Everything is so weird and out of place, and yet this movie – produced by Erik Bloomquist, Adam Weppler, Carson Bloomquist and Nicholas Tucci – is also oddly thematic at the same time. Mostly, I see the over-arching theme of someone fighting so hard against the current that’s trying to make them into something they’re not. A vulnerable performance from Adam Weppler quickly turns Long Lost into a sexy, almost “coming of age” story where he must make the choice between being like Richard or staying as himself. It doesn’t help that Richard has back-up with Abby, and the surprises they have in store for Adam are complicated, compromising and often-times erotic. Again, Long Lost isn’t a horror film, but it’s going to shock you and bring out the inner mystery solver inside you, too. And, on top of everything, it looks amazing. Props to cinematographer Thomson Nguyen and editor Erik Bloomquist, as well as the production designer Lily Bolles for their efforts in making this look worth a million bucks. While looking up casting credits on IMDB, I saw a viewer based review titled “WHAT THE HELL JUST HAPPENED,” and that’s the best way to summarize this movie in one question and/or statement. And I’m not talking about the surprise ending that drops out of nowhere. Long Lost is all over the place yet cohesive and glamorous at the same time.
A slow burning drama with psychological trauma at every corner, Long Lost is puzzling and mildly disturbing. You’re going to watch it to see just how awkward these brothers can be, and the hoops Adam has to jump through to be accepted. Great direction, riveting performances and an uncomfortably enthralling story. Fuck, this was good. Final Score: 8.5 out of 10.
