*Mermaid: The Lake of the Dead* (2018) is a Russian fantasy horror film that blends elements of Slavic folklore with supernatural terror. The movie tells the eerie story of a young woman, Varya, who moves to a remote lakeside village with her fiancé, Roman. They are drawn into a series of mysterious and unsettling events after Varya encounters a strange and beautiful mermaid who resides in the lake.

The film begins with a tragic backstory of the mermaid, a once-human woman who, after being cursed and transformed by dark magic, now lurks in the depths of the lake. The mermaid is not just a creature of folklore but a vengeful spirit, seeking to reclaim her lost humanity through the lives of others. She manipulates Varya, luring her into a dangerous web of illusions and deadly bargains.

As the tension mounts, Varya becomes increasingly obsessed with the lake and its mysteries, which are fueled by a series of haunting visions. Meanwhile, Roman grows suspicious of the strange occurrences surrounding them. The deeper Varya gets involved with the mermaid’s world, the more she risks losing her grip on reality, as she is torn between the love for her fiancé and the strange pull of the supernatural forces inhabiting the lake.

With an atmosphere full of dread and mystery, *Mermaid: The Lake of the Dead* explores themes of forbidden love, revenge, and the consequences of meddling with the dark unknown. The film’s chilling visuals, particularly the mermaid’s haunting presence, keep the audience on edge throughout, culminating in a tense and unpredictable finale.

As the movie progresses, Varya and Roman must confront the terrifying truth about the mermaid’s origins and the dark secrets that bind her to the lake. The film’s haunting conclusion leaves the audience pondering the cost of dabbling with the supernatural and the dangerous allure of ancient myths brought to life.