This award-winning film opens with a twenty-something man named Charlie (Wes McGee) tied up on the floor of a house. A flashback then recounts events a few minutes earlier that led up to the opening scene. Charlie and his former wife, Shannon (Lindsay Wolf), and their small boy have just finished dinner; it's night. Charlie takes out the trash. When he returns, the unthinkable happens. It's like some terrible nightmare. But this dream is real.
Set in southern California in 1977, and based on a real-life event, "Gone In The Dark" gives viewers a glimpse into the lives of California residents terrorized by an unidentified rapist and killer, known as the "Original Night Stalker". This man murdered at least ten people. To this day his identity remains unknown.
The film's script is tight and effective; character names are fictional. Direction, casting, acting, prod design, editing, and sound effects are all fine. If I had to render a criticism it would be the color cinematography, which is a tad darker than needed for interior scenes. Also, some of the background music is unnecessary, especially in the segment when Charlie takes out the trash. Sounds of crickets and a far-off barking dog are quite enough to maximize suspense.
Even though the runtime is just 15 minutes, this film is a high-quality production. The story exudes not only suspense but also mystery, and the implied outcome is poignant and disturbing.
You will find very little news coverage of the crimes of the "Original Night Stalker". The mainstream press refuses to cover them. Even most California residents are unaware that this serial killer stalked their state, from Sacramento south to Orange County. Who was this killer? Is he still stalking California or some other part of the U.S.? "Gone In The Dark" conveys some of the fear he instilled on those he chose to terrorize.
