*The Mermaid Lake of the Dead* (2019) is a Russian horror film that draws deeply from Slavic folklore, blending supernatural terror with a modern urban setting. The story centers on Marina, a young woman who seems to have everything going for her, including a loving fiancé and plans for a happy future. However, beneath the surface of her ordinary life lies an ancient evil connected to a mysterious lake and the spirits that haunt it.

The legend at the heart of the film involves rusalki, vengeful water spirits said to be the souls of women who drowned after betrayal or heartbreak. These beings lure men into the water, draining their life force to sustain their cursed existence. When Marina and her friends visit a remote lakeside area, the boundary between myth and reality begins to dissolve, and the old stories prove to be terrifyingly real.

Soon after their visit, Marina becomes the target of a powerful rusalka who marks her as the next victim. Strange visions, disturbing dreams, and unexplained events begin to plague her daily life. The film gradually builds tension as Marina realizes that the spirit is not only haunting her but feeding on her fear and emotional vulnerability, growing stronger with each encounter.

As Marina searches for answers, she uncovers the tragic history behind the lake and the origin of the vengeful mermaids. The story emphasizes themes of betrayal, jealousy, and unresolved grief, suggesting that the supernatural horror is born from very human pain. The rusalka is portrayed not simply as a monster, but as a reflection of suffering twisted into rage and vengeance.

The horror intensifies as the spirit’s influence spreads, endangering Marina’s loved ones and pushing her toward despair. Attempts to escape or fight back prove difficult, as the curse is bound by ancient rules that cannot be easily broken. The lake itself becomes a symbol of inevitability, drawing victims back no matter how far they run.

In its final act, *The Mermaid Lake of the Dead* delivers a dark and unsettling conclusion that stays true to the bleak tone of folklore-based horror. Rather than offering simple salvation, the film leaves viewers with a lingering sense of dread, reminding them that some legends survive because they are rooted in fear, loss, and the depths of the human soul.