The Dark

Plot

An undead teenage girl befriends a blind boy that she meets in a forest she haunts and hunts in. Both have been victims of unimaginable abuse, and each finds solace in the other. There may be a chance of light at the end of their tunnel, but it will come with a body count.

Cast

Not familiar with anybody involved.

Verdict

A Canada/Austria collaboration, I went into The Dark knowing only the curious concept, and based on this alone I knew this would be an interesting unique film and wanted so badly to like it. But you know what happens when you go into a film with high expectations, they're rarely met.

Now to be clear this is an interesting unique film, that I could never take away from it. Like it however, not so much. I found it 1 part enjoyable for every 1 part confusing.

It's one that is watchable for the novelty value however doesn't live up to what it promises and therefore doesn't deliver a competent coherent story.

Could have been so much more with just a smidge more ingenuity from the writers.

Rants

I feel like they missed out a large chunk of the story, arguably two and I won't put any spoilers here. But I feel like we're owed an explanation regarding a certain origin and more importantly an element to the story that they implement they kind of just u-turn on with no logic nor reason. Man, this could have been so good if they'd just had better writers.

Breakdown

Great idea Unique Poor execution A few elements feel incomplete.

This one kinda surprised me. I started watching with zero expectations and it gradually grew onto me. The way the mood has been set here is commendable. With those haunting shots in those far away locations; they give you a feel of isolation. The clever use of sound did make the movie more interesting. The performances as well were genuinely good. Nadia Alexander as Mina just stole the show.

Although the characterizations left a taste of Incompleteness. The lack of information for the character of Alex is perplexing! As he was one of the main leads over there! The slow pace helped in terms of setting the right atmosphere and keeps you hooked through. But at the same time it often became the sole reason for the movie to holding back.

The story conveys Child Abuse, Tortures, Sufferings. And How it could turn someone into a 'Monster' Or A 'Helpless' being. And in that scenario All we need is for humanity to strike back. To have Its presence felt once again. In order to revert back to our natural being and to move on with our life. It portrays the struggles that the victims suffer, the traumas they carry all their lives. It shines the torch on those Teenagers/Children who have broken down mentally or even worse turned into something more horrible just because of their unfortunate painful past. This one speaks for the horror that are around us. It speaks about the Monsters who resides among us. It certainly strikes deeper than usual. And that's What I very much admire.

I really liked that portrayal here. The message here is surely subtle. You need to be invested thoroughly in order to grasp the idea. But you must. The only complaint I have is the wasted opportunity on so many aspects. The promising premise should have hold onto its true potential rather than becoming a mediocrity in the end because of inexperienced writing and Lack of well put explanations. Nonetheless it is a Good watch. One of the better ones in Indie Horror.

I had no real expectations going into this, nor did I read a synopsis. It just seemed like the kind of horror movie I like, so I took a flyer on it. Let me just say: I'm really glad I did. It's really lovely to go into a movie and then watch it unfurl in front of you in unexpected, well-done ways, to build characters and bring them to fruition in a very touching manner, all while telling a dramatic-horror story that doesn't shirk from darkness and gore, when necessary. All this to say: an extremely well-done film. If you tend toward the indie side of things, then this is definitely for you. However, like I said, there is also plenty of traditional horror happenings, but they are all in service of the story (excellent!).

Let me start a new paragraph to sing the praises of two things: the direction/cinematography and the lead actress. The director also wrote the film, and the cinematographer is listed as co-director as well, and this shines through in some absolutely gorgeous frames where the camera is held still in some beautiful shots. As with all great direction, there are no wasted movements or shots here: the camera is moving when it needs to, and when it needs to be still, it is. But while all of this techinical work was excellent, the real star of the film is the lead actress, Nadia Alexander. She is absolutely remarkable, fleshing out the totality of a role that in the hands of a lesser actress would be one-note and usual. Her character arc is a marvel to behold, and I would be very surprised not to see her continue to blossom in larger profile roles as she gets older.

In summation: if you like indie dramatic-horror that prizes story/characters as much as scares/gore, then this movie is definitely for you. A Must See, in my humble opinion....

I enjoyed the movie but it was more sad than scary. Unique story with good acting. Some violent scenes but poignant as well.

Great acting but far too many an answered questions.