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Darkness Falls

  • 1999
  • R
  • 1h 30m
IMDb RATING
5.5/10
585
YOUR RATING
Sherilyn Fenn, Tim Dutton, and Ray Winstone in Darkness Falls (1999)
Psychological DramaPsychological ThrillerDramaThriller

An intruder invades the home of Mark and Sally Driscoll, a heavily indebted businessman, and his rich, neglected wife. Determined to learn the truth, the man takes them hostage. As he tells ... Read allAn intruder invades the home of Mark and Sally Driscoll, a heavily indebted businessman, and his rich, neglected wife. Determined to learn the truth, the man takes them hostage. As he tells his story, secrets are revealed.An intruder invades the home of Mark and Sally Driscoll, a heavily indebted businessman, and his rich, neglected wife. Determined to learn the truth, the man takes them hostage. As he tells his story, secrets are revealed.

  • Director
    • Gerry Lively
  • Writers
    • N.J. Crisp
    • John Howlett
  • Stars
    • Sherilyn Fenn
    • Ray Winstone
    • Tim Dutton
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    5.5/10
    585
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Gerry Lively
    • Writers
      • N.J. Crisp
      • John Howlett
    • Stars
      • Sherilyn Fenn
      • Ray Winstone
      • Tim Dutton
    • 12User reviews
    • 1Critic review
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Photos2

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    Top cast25

    Edit
    Sherilyn Fenn
    Sherilyn Fenn
    • Sally Driscoll
    Ray Winstone
    Ray Winstone
    • John Barrett
    Tim Dutton
    Tim Dutton
    • Mark Driscoll
    Anita Dobson
    Anita Dobson
    • Mrs. Hayter
    Bryan Pringle
    Bryan Pringle
    • Mr. Hayter
    Robin McCaffrey
    • Jane Barrett
    Michael Praed
    Michael Praed
    • The Hitman
    Oliver Tobias
    Oliver Tobias
    • Money Dealer Simpson
    Andrew Dixon
    • Pilot
    Rebecca De-Yoxall
    • Ground Stewardess
    Harry Crossley
    • Gardener
    Denny Cain
    • Sally's Cook
    Helen Torlesse
    • Mother
    Tara Finegan
    • Simpson's Daughter
    • (as Tara Moross)
    Christopher Smith
    • Simpson's Son
    Ray Slater
    • Maitre D'
    Tommy Owens
    • Chauffeur
    Alan Barker
    • Plan Clothes Policeman
    • Director
      • Gerry Lively
    • Writers
      • N.J. Crisp
      • John Howlett
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews12

    5.5585
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    Featured reviews

    7artie412

    Better than expected with TWO caveats

    I enjoyed this movie despite two problems:

    First, the damned synopsis tells far too much and ruins a nice surprise.

    Secondly, I was dissatisfied with the ending. . . you'll see why.

    But the acting, and the general story was excellent. I especially appreciated the arc of the Sherilyn Fenn character, and totally believed it! This is rare, as often it is forced. But the circumstances of this story called for it.

    Also, Ray Winstone shows his range here (see Sexy Beast for the other end of the spectrum).

    Darkness Falls could just as well have been stage play, and a good one at that.

    Give it a shot.
    5drystyx

    Overall good story, muddled with dullness

    This is one of the most predictable movies you will ever see, except for the last 20 minutes or so, which is quite satisfying.

    It's a "suspense" film, and the overall story is good, but the writing is horribly inept, as the viewer is relentlessly put to sleep by the tedious dialog.

    It's obviously made for two types of spectators. In the movie theater, it's made for the crack head or meth head, or some abuser of drugs, because only someone on serious drugs could stay awake through this ordeal. If one can stay awake, one is rewarded by a decent non-Hollywood ending. This means the ending is meant for the people who don't abuse drugs, but the rest of the movie is meant for the "haters" who do abuse drugs.

    In the home viewing, it is meant for "groups of three or more", where two people chat while one keeps up with the story and tells the others, until that one is too bored to go on, then a relay goes into place for the group. This is not uncommon in group viewing, and movie makers know this.

    However, it makes for a mediocre movie.

    If the dialog was better, if the writing was better, if the movie would be about an hour shorter, it would be a very good movie. The characters are well drawn enough, although the "bad guys" are totally Hollywood caricatures. The "non-bad" characters are three dimensional, however.

    Not to say it was a bad movie. Just that it is impossible for a non-drug abuser to sit through this in one entire viewing, so you would be advised to switch to another station for ten minutes or so, about three times in the beginning of the movie, then back, in order to be satisfied. You'll get the picture, and you'll predict exactly what the lead character is up to, withing the first 15 minutes of the movie, in terms of the "money crime", and you'll gather enough to realize what he's up in the "morality crime" soon enough, since that drones on and on throughout the movie.
    10vengeance-1

    Ray Winstone is as ever superb

    It's such a shame that only 24 people have voted on this because the people who did vote don't know a fine film when they watch one.

    Ray Winstone puts in yet another awesome performance showing a fragile side that he is not noted for. I really can't recommend this film enough and will not go into the plot but just say see this. If you're in the USA it's just getting a release on VHS/DVD, I guess after Sexy Beast people want to see more of Ray.

    One of the finest actors in Britain who is now really begining to shine in other countries. Grab any film you can that he's in, you won't regret it. But start at the first, rent "Scum" if you can find it in your local video store (US People) or buy it online..
    10rrnovak

    this movie literally gave me chills

    My insomnia came in handy as I watched this movie in the early hours. This is a wonderful movie. It is like watching a play, which I like, so the movie depends upon the quality of the actors. The three main actors were well-cast. The acting of Sherilyn Fenn and Ray Winstone were extraordinary.

    The plot gave me chills, especially the ending. The baby was a nice touch, especially with Sally Driscoll holding her, but seeing the conniving husband get his due was the best part.

    Okay, so I related to the plot personally. I'm not rich, but I did have a husband who tried to put my house up for collateral for his debts. And he was a womanizer.

    This is a movie for our time. It exposes what the modern marriage relationship has become, or can become. I expect that faithless spouses will not like this film and find it unnerving. Spouses on the other side of the coin will be intrigued.
    chaz-17

    Dark and tense with some great acting, well worth watching!

    Darkness Falls, I think that the working title of Dangerous Obsession worked better! With its small budget it lives up to the great tradition of other recent British films, not really in the Cool Britannia market(Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, The Full Monty) but nonetheless has a lot to offer its audience. A tense thriller which ending leaves you feeling more than satisfied, and some exceptional characters brought to life by experienced and highly talented actors, notably Ray Winstone(Nil by Mouth) and Sherilyn Fenn(Twin Peaks), all together a good watch, highly recommendable.

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

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    • Quotes

      Sally Driscoll: I'm... I remember. John

      John Barrett: John, yeah.

      Sally Driscoll: And Jane. Your wife is called Jane.

      John Barrett: Jane Barrett, yes.

      Sally Driscoll: Please do forgive me. I'm so sorry. I just...

      John Barrett: It's not a problem, it's okay. It's something I've become accustomed to.

      Sally Driscoll: What is?

      John Barrett: Having to remind people who I am.

    • Connections
      Featured in We Kill for Love (2023)
    • Soundtracks
      String Quintet in C Major
      Composed by Franz Schubert

      Performed by Melos Quartett (as The Melos Quartett)

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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • August 27, 1999 (United Kingdom)
    • Country of origin
      • United Kingdom
    • Official site
      • Vine International Pictures Ltd.
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Dangerous Obsessions
    • Filming locations
      • Isle of Man
    • Production companies
      • Film Development Corporation
      • Hoseplace Ltd.
      • Isle of Man Film Commission
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 30 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.85 : 1

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    Sherilyn Fenn, Tim Dutton, and Ray Winstone in Darkness Falls (1999)
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