Osgood Perkins’ Keeper Is Officially the Weirdest Movie of the 2020s

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Osgood Perkins has quickly become a prominent figure in modern horror. Though his recent films are generating significant buzz, he’s been directing for over ten years. With his latest release gaining attention, Perkins is once again a filmmaker to watch. He consistently delivers compelling horror, both as a writer, director, and actor, and his distinct style has produced some of the most interesting new horror films of the last few years. Much of his recent success is thanks to his collaboration with Neon, who have allowed him creative freedom to tell deeply personal stories.

As a huge horror fan, I have to say Osgood Perkins really knocked it out of the park with his 2024 film, Longlegs. Everyone was talking about it – critics loved it, audiences loved it, and it reminded me of classic thrillers like The Silence of the Lambs. Even though some people had issues with how it ended, the acting and filmmaking were top-notch. Perkins is quickly becoming a real visionary in the horror genre, and thankfully, his success means he’s able to make movies more often. It’s only been a few months since his last film, The Monkey, and he’s already given us another scary ride! This new one is definitely… unique. It has some genuinely creepy moments, but honestly, it might just be the strangest movie I’ve seen this decade.

Osgood Perkins Channels His Legacy With Recent Horror Hits

Many fans recognize that Perkins’ work both pays tribute to classic horror and updates the genre for today’s audiences. While establishing his own style, Perkins acknowledges his connection to a significant horror figure, and how that influence shapes his films. A common thread throughout Perkins’ movies is a focus on complex family relationships and the idea of fate.

Through characters like Longlegs, Perkins explores big ideas about destiny, what we leave behind, and finding meaning in life. His unsettling stories likely draw from the long and changing history of the horror genre itself.

Perkins is known for creating unique types of horror in his movies, often mixing different elements and pushing the boundaries of the genre. He also consistently explores the darkest parts of human nature, which makes him particularly well-suited for supernatural and folk horror. Because of this consistent focus, longtime fans weren’t completely shocked by the direction his latest film took.

Over the past two years, he’s gained recognition for films like The Blackcoat’s Daughter, I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives In the House, and Gretel & Hansel. His earlier work shows a clear interest in folk horror, a genre with roots stretching back to the oldest horror stories from different cultures.

This often involves depictions of witchcraft, dark magic, and satanism. Director Osgood Perkins is exploring the history of horror, and how it connects to his own roots in the genre. The family dynamics seen in his films likely stem from his relationship with his father, horror legend Anthony Perkins, who famously played Norman Bates. As Anthony Perkins’ son, Osgood is clearly influenced by and building upon that legacy with his own work in horror.

Osgood Perkins’ relationship with his father, Anthony Perkins, is deeply personal, and he’s been shaped by both his father’s life and the horror genre. Growing up with a famous father known for horror films naturally created a strong connection to the genre for Osgood. Just as Anthony Perkins played a key role in the development of horror, Osgood is now contributing to the rise of folk horror in modern cinema.

Folk horror has become increasingly popular lately, appearing in successful movies like The Witch and Weapons. Director Robert Eggers’ earlier work may have helped spark this trend, and he’s continuing it with his new film, The Northman.

Keeper Is One of the Weirdest Movies of the 2020s

As a horror fan, I’ve been really impressed with Osgood Perkins’ last few movies – Longlegs, The Blackcoat’s Daughter (aka The Monkey) and now Keeper. It feels like he’s really hitting his stride, and honestly, the thought that his best work might still be ahead of him is thrilling! He clearly knows what kind of horror he wants to make, and he’s getting better and better at it. I’m especially excited to see him working with Virginia Newcomb again – she was fantastic in The Blackcoat’s Daughter, and in Keeper, she’s facing some seriously intense psychological challenges that lead to a really unsettling ending.

The strength of Keeper lies in its skillful blend of suspense, humor, and a stripped-down, atmospheric style. Director Perkins lets the characters and the actors’ performances lead each scene. Driven by Tatiana Maslany’s compelling emotional journey and Rossif Sutherland’s subtle performance, Keeper is a haunting, consistently tense, and gripping film.

The movie struggles because it relies too heavily on unbelievable events that don’t quite add up in the end. While Perkins is known for his creative approach to folk horror, he sometimes prioritizes experimentation over a strong story. This becomes apparent in the film’s somewhat uneven final act.

The story Keeper gets lost in overly complex imagery and confusing ideas, which, while typical of Perkins’ work, doesn’t quite match the engaging start of the narrative. Readers often expect mysteries to have logical explanations, and while this story has a strange quality, it relies too heavily on bizarre concepts throughout, reaching a peak of strangeness in the final scenes.

Without giving away any key plot points, Keeper takes some unexpected turns, leading to both frightening and confusing scenes. Strong acting helps explore the inner life of the main character, Liz, but the film still feels incomplete. Ultimately, it’s hard to overlook the movie’s strange ideas and unsettling mood.

As the film Keeper fully develops its concept, it becomes increasingly unsettling. The director, Perkins, deliberately avoids explaining what’s happening, creating a frustrating and unclear experience. This film pushes boundaries even further than his previous work.

Although the story hints at interesting ideas about gender and relationships, these themes aren’t strong enough to distract from the strange and sudden turns each scene takes.

Keeper Feels Like Something Fans Have Seen Before

Whether it’s the core idea itself, or the current popularity of folk horror, viewers might find Keeper feels somewhat predictable. The film benefits from its stunning natural setting and simple production style, which actually reinforces this sense of familiarity that the director is intentionally creating.

Recently, we’ve seen many films like this one, meaning the unique, abstract approach Perkins takes is the most interesting thing about his latest work. Plus, the film explores themes that have long been present in horror, particularly as society evolves.

I think what Tim Perkins is doing is really unique to him – it’s definitely his own spin on things. While his style and how the film looks are all Perkins, it still feels strangely familiar to me. I get the feeling I’ve seen this movie before, but I can’t quite place where I’ve seen it. It’s a weirdly comforting feeling, honestly.

Just because Osgood Perkins is exploring different types of films doesn’t mean his fans won’t enjoy them. He’s establishing himself as a talented director, and with more projects on the horizon, his future work is just as exciting as any new horror movie.

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2025-11-18 07:08