FIVE OF THE REASONS WE STILL LOVE ‘THE LAKE HOUSE’ 20 YEARS LATER
Looking back on important movie anniversaries is something we do every year here. Most tend to be iconic titles that have cultural significance while others, like today, sometimes are titles that I feature because of bias. This spotlight I speak of is turning to The Lake House. A soft and romantic film that throws in a bit of would-be tragedy and is something that may not always make perfect sense, it is nonetheless a delightful film that has impressive star power. Resulting from this, we look at reasons to love The Lake House, a title hitting its twentieth milestone in 2026.
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FIVE OF THE REASONS WE STILL LOVE ‘THE LAKE HOUSE’ 20 YEARS LATER. #SandraBullock stars in this 2006 #romance drama. #TheLakeHouse Share on XThe plot follows Sandra Bullock’s Dr. Kate Foster, a smart and intelligent woman who is also feeling lonely and a little driftless. Architect Alex, played by Keanu Reeves, is also suffering from some setbacks and big decision. The pair begin to share a connection which they learn is through the house that they both share. The catch is, they live in the same house in separate timelines.
From there the story takes on some supernatural elements but manages to remain a surprisingly heartfelt and gentle romance that still stays grounded. Perhaps qualities the film keeps thanks to its talented cast. Let’s look back on this with three of the reasons why I love this title – and maybe you do too!
THE LAKE HOUSE MOVIE ANNIVERSARY and the reasons we love it
THE CAST aka KEANU and SANDRA
Some many find these two overrated, but I think they are two of the best stars in movies today. At least for stars who were in their prime during my growing up years. I think they both bring something unique to the role, and I especially love Keanu in this role since it feels like a role unlike most of the characters he has played.
This marks a reunion for these two stars. Both are well-known major film stars for their individual work, the pair were also co-stars in Speed who reunited in this romance dramedy. They’re both good in these respective roles and they play the characters really well.
THE HOUSE
Is adding the titular place to reasons I love this film a bit of an obvious copout? Maybe, but I do like the house featured in this film. It’s one of those homes that I would probably never commission for myself but still respect that it is unique and as a result, it does stand out and is a kind of character all on its own.
THE LETTERS
Is this another annoying thing to give a reasons to love this film heading to? Maybe, but come on, the letters in a film like this have to be full of yearning and angst and honesty and charm, and I think they accomplish this very nicely.
JANE AUSTEN
In comparison to everything else, the Jane Austen elements are minor, but I cannot let this list publish without mentioning how fun it is to hear the references to Jane Austen. The scene that this occurs in is also just a really lovely moment.
THE ROMANCE
The letters (which earn their own heading) are a key part of this story and of course, for anyone who loves stories that lean into being more old-fashion romance storytelling, they are an important factor in romanticizing the film. Even more important since it is in these letters that there is depth and connection between the two characters. Their face-to-face interactions are limited and fewer because of the story structure. There is still more to the love story though. The face to face moments still have weight and everything, largely because we know something isn’t quite right, takes on greater significance.
The love story is a little bit different in this title, and it just all fits together neatly and works nicely for how this story unfolds.
…and these are just a few of the reasons why I still love The Lake House. The film is also a more wholesome story all around which is refreshing and while it probably has flaws, too, it’s a film I prefer to enjoy for its goodness and think its very deserving of being considered memorable.
Digitally purchase, at publication, The Lake House on places like Prime Video or Apple TV. You can also stream the film on the subscription service Howdy.
Photos: Alamy
Let’s hear your thoughts! What are some of your reasons to love or dislike The Lake House? Will you be rewatching this title as The Lake House celebrates its movie anniversary? Did you love Keanu in this non-action role? Share all of your thoughts below.
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Wow, it’s been twenty years!
Right!? Nothing like a movie anniversary (of something I’ve seen several times) to make me feel old. ;)