In this third list for the Carnival of Calamity Backstage Pass, three films have been selected based on their connection with … the strange. In Caddo Lake, we discover alongside the characters a space in the swamp that is quite unlike the rest of it; in Oculus, a mirror twists and contorts perception; and a hotel room takes even the most wary of guests outside of their foundation of normalcy in 1408. Reality shifts and bends for characters by varying means, and leave us wondering what other worlds may lie within uneasy reach.

Oculus and 1408 are stellar in their conceptions and execution. Caddo Lake, we are unhappy to report, leaves much to be desired. Still, it presents a shift in reality, allowing it a welcome on this list. In taking up this list for your weekend cinematic experience, begin with Caddo Lake. It is mostly grounded in reality—until it is not, and then it provides a pocket of extra-dimensional experience. Also, being the worst of the three, we recommend just getting it out of the way. Follow this with Oculus, which moves things into the psyche and shifts reality right where we most commonly experience it: in the home. Wrap up your weekend with 1408, which will completely dissolve any semblance of what might be considered real, as you journey through worlds unknown alongside John Cusack, all contained in what was supposed to be just another allegedly haunted hotel room.

Now, in accordance with The Calamity Content Rating System, we hereby rate Caddo Lake 🤡🤡🤡🤡. That is four clowns—which, due to the backwards nature of the rating system—means the film is terrible, but not as bad as it could be. Go to the rating system page for a breakdown of how we rate things here at the Calamity if this confuses you somewhat. The full review of Caddo Lake follows below, whereby you will come to understand why so many clowns, and come to agree with us. Should you disagree, we will be forced to contact your employer and have you canceled.

Now then, be forewarned that there are spoilers in the review, but as the film is poorly executed, the spoilers may perhaps assist you in understanding what the in the actual fuck is happening. Read at your own discretion.

You will the list on Letterboxd at the link below: