Change Your Image
kermitsbiggesthelper
Reviews
Dark Was the Night (2014)
tense and atmospheric
"Dark was the Night" is a tense and atmospheric horror thriller that masterfully blends supernatural elements with psychological drama. Directed by Jack Heller, this 2014 film takes viewers on a chilling journey into the remote woods, where an ancient evil threatens to tear apart a small town. With a well-paced plot, solid performances, and striking cinematography, "Dark was the Night" stands out as a notable addition to the horror genre.
The story centers on Sheriff Paul Shields (played by Kevin Durand), a grief-stricken lawman still haunted by a tragic incident that occurred during his watch. As mysterious and inexplicable events begin to plague the community, he must overcome his own demons to protect his town and loved ones from an otherworldly menace lurking in the shadows. The film does an excellent job of establishing an eerie and foreboding atmosphere, leaving the audience with a sense of impending doom from the very beginning.
One of the most remarkable aspects of "Dark was the Night" is the subtle approach to horror. Rather than relying on gratuitous jump scares or gory visuals, the film expertly builds tension through suspenseful scenes, ominous sound design, and haunting visuals. The clever use of darkness and the forest setting amplifies the feeling of isolation and vulnerability, further enhancing the overall sense of dread.
Kevin Durand delivers a strong and emotionally charged performance as Sheriff Paul Shields. He effectively portrays a character torn between his personal struggles and the responsibility of protecting his community. The supporting cast, including Lukas Haas, Bianca Kajlich, and Sabina Gadecki, also contribute solid performances, adding depth to the narrative and ensuring the audience invests in the characters' fates.
Jack Heller's direction is commendable, as he manages to maintain a gripping and suspenseful tone throughout the film. His decision to focus on character development rather than excessive horror elements pays off, making the supernatural elements feel more believable and grounded. The well-crafted screenplay by Tyler Hisel provides a compelling blend of human drama and supernatural terror, keeping the audience engaged until the nail-biting climax.
Although "Dark was the Night" successfully captivates its viewers, some might find the pacing to be a tad slow during the first act. Nonetheless, the gradual build-up ultimately serves the movie's overall narrative and adds to the impact of the chilling revelations that unfold as the story progresses.
Black Mountain Side (2014)
Interesting cosmic horror
"Black Mountain" is a hauntingly atmospheric horror film directed by the talented Nick Szostakiwskyj. Set against the chilling backdrop of the Canadian wilderness, this indie gem takes audiences on a spine-tingling journey filled with suspense, mystery, and dread.
The film centers around a group of friends who venture into the remote wilderness of Northern Canada in search of an infamous lost gold mine known as Black Mountain. Fueled by legends of untold riches and the thrill of exploration, the group embarks on a treacherous journey into the heart of the unforgiving landscape. However, as they delve deeper into the wilderness, the group begins to experience unexplainable and malevolent phenomena that threaten to consume them.
One of the film's most significant strengths lies in its masterful execution of tension and atmosphere. Szostakiwskyj showcases his skills in building a palpable sense of foreboding right from the beginning. The haunting cinematography captures the raw beauty of the Canadian wilderness while simultaneously accentuating the unsettling feeling of isolation and impending doom. As the group finds themselves increasingly cut off from civilization, the sense of claustrophobia intensifies, drawing the audience deeper into the unfolding horror.
The performances delivered by the cast are commendable, making the characters feel real and relatable, which heightens the emotional impact of the story. The ensemble cast portrays genuine camaraderie and friendship, making their plight all the more engaging for the viewers.
Where "Black Mountain" truly shines is in its ability to weave psychological horror and supernatural elements together seamlessly. As the group's sanity begins to unravel and they confront their darkest fears, the film keeps the audience guessing whether the horrors they face are born of the mind or something far more sinister. This cleverly blurs the lines between reality and the supernatural, leaving the audience in a perpetual state of uncertainty and suspense.
The film's sound design and score are equally deserving of praise, as they play a crucial role in creating a chilling ambiance that lingers long after the credits roll. The eerie sounds of the wilderness, coupled with a haunting musical score, enhance the overall sense of dread and unease, adding an additional layer of immersion.
However, "Black Mountain" may not be for everyone, especially those seeking quick scares or excessive gore. Instead, it embraces a slower, more cerebral approach to horror, relying on psychological terror to keep the audience on edge.
Older Gods (2023)
Low budget but surprisingly different
I was surprised how much I liked this but I did!
I doubt that friday the 13th / freddy / scream slasher horror fans will like it that much as its thoughtful and slower paced. It replaces gore with mystery and emotion. Its basically a drama with horror elements as its very creepy in a couple of scenes.
I think it was pretty ambitious for a low budget and I was always intrigued.
I thought Rory Wilson did a great job as the lead, its difficult to essentially be the only person who talks through an entire film but I thought he carried the film well.
I think if you go into this understanding knowing what it it (slower, thoughtful, creepy) rather than expecting a monster movie or something, you'll like it.