✯✯✯ 1/2
As I watched Honeymoon, I started to feel that it also could have worked as a "found footage" film. With a few minor story changes, the unique (but overused) medium could have easily found its way into this creative horror story. I'm glad that director Leigh Janiak decided to forgo this choice, however, as the cinematography in the film showcases some of the beautiful scenery utilized in the story.
Honeymoon is a slow burn, building in its tension and momentum until the intense finale. It's a film that relishes in its enigma, giving the audience minor clues as to what is really going on. About halfway through the film, we are hinted that something strange is happening, but we aren't entirely sure of what it is. Bea shows minor slips in her memory: forgetting things that shouldn't be easily forgotten, using different words to describe regular actions like napping. Paul shows escalating signs of worry, especially when mysterious marks appear on Bea's legs.
The film constantly shift its focus, in an attempt to distract the viewer from the hidden truth. I felt that at times the film didn't exactly know where it was going for a brief moment, then quickly brought itself back on track. Some gorgeous cinematography and a stellar soundtrack helped ease the pain that was given through Rose Leslie's shaky performance. She wasn't terrible, but I found her pretty annoying as she kept squeaking in her dialogue. Harry Treadaway was the more convincing of the two, and was a much stronger character actor in the end.
Despite its shortcomings, Honeymoon is a uniquely creative horror film that builds in mysterious tension very well. It's a slow buildup that is accompanied by beautiful cinematography and a tense soundtrack. Some brief moments seem to detract the film from its main focus, and perhaps these were purposely done to distract the audience so that the ending was that much more unexpected. It would be interesting to see a film similar to this done in the handheld camera style, given a few story changes. However, what's here is unique and enjoyable, and it's a tense and thrilling horror film from start to finish.