House by the Lake is a psychological horror thriller directed by Adam Gierasch. The film combines themes of family dynamics, isolation, and supernatural menace, crafting a story that blurs the lines between mental illness and the paranormal.

Plot Summary

The story follows a married couple, Scott and Karen, who take their troubled young daughter, Emma, to a secluded lake house for a family vacation. Emma, who is on the autism spectrum, has difficulty communicating and often seems disconnected from her surroundings. Her parents hope that time away will improve her behavior and strengthen their bond.

However, as the family settles in, Emma begins to act more strangely, seeming to communicate with an imaginary friend. At first, her parents dismiss it as harmless, but her behavior becomes increasingly disturbing. Strange events begin to unfold, and the couple starts to question whether the house itself harbors a sinister force. As the tension mounts, they’re forced to confront the possibility that something otherworldly has taken an interest in their daughter—and that their peaceful getaway has turned into a nightmare.