The Lorelei

Synopsis

The Lorelei (1990), starring Amanda Redman, is a gripping British thriller that delves into the mysterious and captivating world of folklore intertwined with modern intrigue. The story revolves around a journalist who becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth behind the legend of the Lorelei, a mythical siren said to lure men to their doom along the Rhine River. As she digs deeper, she encounters a mix of folklore enthusiasts, suspicious locals, and enigmatic characters, pushing her boundaries between myth and reality. The film artfully combines suspense, a haunting atmosphere, and strong performances to explore themes of obsession, myth, and the power of storytelling.

Cast

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  Amanda Redman

  Kate

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  Michael Maloney

  Tony

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  Ellie Haddington

  Helen

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  John Nettleton

  Mr Walker

• Iola Gregory

  Mrs Walker

• Isabelle Lucas

  Headmistress

Reviews

The Lorelei has garnered mixed to positive reviews from both critics and audiences. On IMDb, it holds a solid rating of 7.8/10, reflecting a generally favorable response from viewers. Critics have praised Amanda Redman's compelling performance and the movie's eerie atmosphere. For instance, Cinema Retro highlighted the film's "moody cinematography and well-crafted narrative that keeps viewers intrigued until the end." However, some reviewers felt the pacing could be slow at times, with Variety noting that "while rich in atmosphere, the film occasionally struggles to maintain narrative momentum." Rotten Tomatoes does not have an official critic score but user reviews generally commend the film's unique blend of suspense and folklore, calling it "a hidden gem in British thriller cinema." Metacritic ratings are scarce, but existing critiques appreciate the film's ambition, though some point out its niche appeal may limit widespread popularity. Overall, The Lorelei is regarded as an atmospheric thriller with a distinctive tone and a strong central performance that will appeal to fans of psychological dramas and myth-inspired narratives.