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The Lighthouse

The Lighthouse is a 2019 psychological horror film directed and produced by Robert Eggers, from a screenplay co-written with his brother Max Eggers.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Lighthouse is a 2019 psychological horror film directed and produced by Robert Eggers, from a screenplay co-written with his brother Max Eggers. It stars Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson as two nineteenth-century lighthouse keepers stranded at a remote New England outpost, and is known for its black-and-white cinematography and ambiguous, genre-blending style. The film was a Canadian-U.S. co-production, making it relevant to Canadian film industry readers and audiences.

Plot and premise

The film centres on two lighthouse keepers stationed at a remote New England outpost in the 1890s, where a storm and prolonged isolation lead to psychological tension and instability. The story follows their conflict and the gradual unraveling of their sanity.

Production and inspiration

Robert Eggers directed and produced the film, and co-wrote the screenplay with Max Eggers. The project developed from a reimagining of Edgar Allan Poe’s unfinished short story and a Welsh lighthouse accident legend.

Release and reception

The Lighthouse premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on 19 May 2019 before its U.S. theatrical release by A24 in October 2019. It grossed over $18 million against an $11 million budget and received widespread critical acclaim for direction, visuals, and performances.

Awards and recognition

The film earned multiple nominations, including Academy Award and BAFTA nominations for cinematography, reflecting particular recognition for its visual style.

Key facts

  • The film follows two lighthouse keepers whose isolation and conflict drive the story.
  • It premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on 19 May 2019.
  • A24 released the film in the United States in October 2019.
  • The film received widespread critical acclaim for direction, visuals, and performances.
  • It was nominated for Best Cinematography at the 92nd Academy Awards and the 73rd British Academy Film Awards.
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Canadian context

The film was a Canadian-U.S. co-production, so it is relevant to Canadian film industry readers and audiences.

Frequently asked questions

What is The Lighthouse about?
It follows two lighthouse keepers stranded on a remote New England island in the 1890s as isolation and conflict affect their sanity.
Who directed The Lighthouse?
The film was directed by Robert Eggers.
Who stars in The Lighthouse?
The main roles are played by Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson.
When was The Lighthouse released?
It premiered in May 2019 and was released theatrically in the United States in October 2019.
What genre is The Lighthouse?
It is usually described as a psychological horror film, with drama and thriller elements.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lighthouse_(2019_film)
    Supports: Director, cast, premise, premiere date, U.S. release date, budget, box office, critical reception, awards, and inspiration.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/facts/The-Lighthouse-2019-film
    Supports: Release year, runtime, director, writing credits, cinematography, editing, and cast.
  3. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_lighthouse_2019
    Supports: Synopsis, director, screenwriters, rating, genre, runtime, and release dates.
  4. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Lighthouse-2019-film
    Supports: Basic identification of the film as a 2019 work by Robert Eggers.