Totally agree with you razkazz! I think the problem is people are going into this film with the wrong expectations. If you're expecting a jumpy, fast-paced and, dare I say it, simple horror film, then you will most likely be disappointed. And it seems to me that's what the OP was hoping for, because his idea of 'how the story should have been' basically turns it into any other ghost story horror film, throwing originality and imagination out the window.
This film isn't really a ghost story, at least, the ghost isn't the most interesting part of the film. It simply acts as a plot device to focus on what's really important here - grief and dealing with death. The hoax pulled off by the brother was a way for him to get over his sister's death, and to help his mother deal with it too (despite the questionnable methods!). The notion of having a sense of closure is clearly one of the most important elements in the film, not only closure for the parents after such a tragedy, but closure for Alice who just wants her parents to know about her secret. The hoax also definitely gives the final reveal a bigger impact, people here seem to forget that there is actually a ghost afterall!!
Anyway, I think it's a shame that some people here are saying that they stopped the film half way through because they got bored or because they didn't like the 'hoax' element or because it was too slow or whatever. Pretty much explains why we only get one type of movie out of Hollywood! I thought Lake Mungo's blend of genres worked really well, and I'd definitely recommend it for anyone planning a late night screening!
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