A combination of psychological thriller, paranormal found footage film, and crime drama throws in a few hefty sprinkles of family dysfunction in Lair. A fractured family finds themselves in the middle of an attempt to prove that a recently convicted man is innocent. However, the proof soon takes a turn for the paranormal – and takes the family with it.

A la Son of Sam, the claim made by the convicted man’s lawyer (Alexandra Gilbreath) is that Ben (Oded Fehr) is innocent, by reason of demonic possession. Steven (Corey Johnson), Ben’s friend, decides the best way to prove the demonic existence is to rent Ben’s former apartment, still filled with his possessions, out to an unknowing family – and set up cameras to watch for the demonic activity. What Steven can’t possibly expect is the drama the family brings on their own, and how their soap opera of a life will distract from his pursuit for justice.

Sadly, as titillating as the concept is, the fun sort of ends there. Beyond a few fun scares, the afternoon TV level drama, poorly delivered by a lackluster cast, is soul-sucking. The lesbian relationship is sensationalized – built on drama and incompatibility and overwrought sexuality. Disappointing, but especially disappointing in 2021 when LGBTQIA+ relationships have no place as a virtue signal, especially when they’re as underhanded and full with as many painful and harmful stereotypes as this. The sad “dysfunction” of this broken family doesn’t make anyone particularly likable – Older sister Joey (Anya Newall) does her best to NOT come off as a total brat, and thankfully has lots of sisterly chemistry with younger sister Lilly (Lara Mount). Lilly is the usual wide eyed, adorable horror kid we all know and love – full of innocent near-misses and good faith.

Steven is generally unlikable as well – but I suppose that’s what you expect from a man sitting in his darkened apartment eating snacks and watching this family waiting for something bad to happen. He’s conveniently lecherous, and conveniently bumbling, Johnson portrays all of the above perfectly.

Lair leaves a lot of questions unanswered, and unfortunately spends so long building up to the climax and what we hope is the answer to our questions that it falls totally flat in the third act. If the entire second act could be cut down to about half, there might be some salvageability here. Instead, a lot of screen time is taken up by hysterical screaming and fighting women, and not a lot of horror – which is what a film about demon possession promises, if you ask me. Overall, Lair seems to me to be a few scripts jammed into one, and is as confused as I was after I finished it.

4 out of 10