This review is both a recommendation and a warning. "Dark Was the Night" is a powerful, well-made, incredibly acted drama. It's so affecting that I had to shut it off after 45 mins because it hits too close to home. But that should come as high praise, as far as filmmaking goes.
In the first 15 minutes, a perfect family is torn apart, and from there it gets (as the title might suggest) emotionally darker and darker, so be prepared. The film isn't literally dark, as the posters & dvd cover implies (um, this is NOT a thriller, so ignore the image of people with chainsaws and such). This is a mostly quiet but very unsettling movie. It hits us with themes of death, grieving, depression, alcoholism, PTSD, failed parenting, and the social stigma of all of the above. If any of these subjects is triggering or uncomfortable for you then you might want to pass. But if you're ready for a heavy experience it'll give you exactly that.
Marisa Tomei proves once again that she owns the screen. She portrays a tough, in-control career woman who rapidly descends into something more like a mumbling bag lady at the IHOP at 2 am.
Who knows, maybe this movie has a happy ending with a hot air balloon and bouncy exit music. But from the first half, I'd have to say that this excellent film is the Feel Bad Movie of the Year. Don't miss it. Or Do.
