In 'The Lighthouse' things go from bad to worse. And then keep going downhill. And then fall over a cliff (not literally). And then another. And once the viewer realizes that there's no hope, he or she might well be tempted to fast-forward through the film. A temptation which might well be a fine idea.

William DeFoe and Robert Pattinson are The Lighthouse Keeper and his assistant, respectively. The location, far off the New England Coast in the late 19th century. They will be alone tending to the light for four weeks through bad weather, and worse weather, and bad food, and bad sleeping accommodations, and more. So if the two characters find their tempters growing short, you'll understand.

And they do. And, I, the viewer, did.

But for this to work there has got to be relief. Hope. A sunny day. A flashback to happier times. Something.

But no. The downward spiral spirals, and so does the viewer and, despite the fine performances from both, and despite the great cinematography, I'm recommending that you pass on 'The Lighthouse'.