In the Dark has received rave reviews from all major journalists who have had a chance to watch it. Now it’s HorrorSociety.com’s turn! Glancing over the film’s Facebook page, I can see that it is picking up awards left and right and is screening all over the world. It’s not going to be long before this title secures a distribution deal, so here’s my review in hopes of persuading you to buy your copy whenever the day comes to own this fantastic movie on home media.
In the Dark is written and directed by David Spaltro with cinematographer Gus Sacks. Cast members include Lynn Justinger, Fiona Horrigan, Grace Folsom, Catherine Cobb Ryan and Jesse R. Tendler. The film follows, “a skeptical grad student and a renowned paranormal specialist who investigate a potentially haunted home and the troubled woman inside whose affliction may be beyond the capacity of either of them.”
When looking at a movie about a haunting and possession, it’s easy to draw comparisons to other titles of the same nature. Right off the bat I can spot similarities to… The Exorcist: The daughter, Bethany (Folsom), is possessed by a powerful demonic entity. The Exorcism of Emily Rose: The inner battle one faces between accepting the reality that true evil exists vs. there being a scientific explanation for everything. Hell, I can even see an homage to Poltergeist when the paranormal specialist, Lois (Horrigan), goes head to head with the beast. You know that In the Dark is a wild good time when I can designate it at The Exorcist meets The Exorcism of Emily for a new generation. Despite similarities to other titles, In The Dark is not a copycat at all and takes several unprecedented, original and unique turns to keep the viewer both entertained and on the edge of their seat.
If anything, In the Dark can be looked at as a supernatural-drama as well as a horror title. This movie is emotionally compelling and really made me think about the afterlife, my thoughts on science and my relationships with others. I found myself particularly moved during a scene where Joan (Ryan) urges the other two women to save her daughter. During the final confrontation, Joan even refuses to leave her daughter’s side when she is literally looking into the eyes of Hell. The emotional punch to your stomach is only highlighted by the exquisite and on point acting from all of the main cast, especiallly Catherine Cobb Ryan and Lynn Justinger. All of the main four actresses are amazing and delivered dramatic, emotionally charged performances that are going to influence the audience in a positive way – which is far more important than anything else. In the Dark is one of those movies where you feel the people’s terror on screen, not just watch it.
Of course, In the Dark has its fair share of scares, too. Taking it back to The Exorcist, The Exorcism of Emily Rose and Poltergeist again, you get a broad spectrum of spiritual activity here. Machinery malfunctioning, shadow figures, disembodied voices, objects moving on their own… and coughing up bloody nails, earthquakes and bone breaking deformities. I think, maybe, a little more activity was warranted so there was equal measures of emotional distress and action on the screen. I’m glad that In the Dark stayed mellow, though, instead of going with typical jump scares and false flags like those that Paranormal Activity uses…but I still wanted a little more. Also, I have to mention that In the Dark is productionally flawless. I was most impressed by the lightening and cinematography during the night and in door shots. Very professional and major props to the crew!
Final Score: 8 out of 10
