Dark Was the Night (2014)

What you can't see will hurt you

By: JWBM

Instead of being your typical, tongue-in-cheek creature-feature like you'd see on, say, the Syfy channel, the tone of the film comes across as a more serious "The X-Files" episode. Likewise, it does more analyzing of the situation, and also keeps its mysterious villain in the shadows instead of prancing it around town. The story centers around a small time Sheriff clouded by his emotions over the loss of one of his sons and the recent split from his wife. Meanwhile, the Sheriff is set to the task to investigate some odd occurrences around town that are slowly starting to escalate. There are whispers of a local Native American legend, leaving the tight-knit community a little uneasy to say the least.

The story keeps itself mostly restrained than going full throttle. It leans more on the drama side than the horror or action side like you'd typically see with a creature on the loose type of story. Its momentum and scares rely on a share of tight camera angles and sound effects. The what-you-can't-see-will-hurt-you kind of tricks. It seems better suited than its monster being fully in the spotlight. The effects, cinematography, script, and direction are kept to a basic minimum. It does have this unusual monochrome look to it that doesn't necessarily enhance or hinder the experience.

Little pops out here from the usual that's going to last with you after the first viewing—even its drama side is somewhat formulaic. Essentially: man feels he couldn't protect his family, but now has to overcome his fears and do the impossible to save the town. Then again, it also didn't over-extended its bounds to attempt to give you something and not back it up. It's a simple tale that delivers on its own terms and at its own pacing. Some might be bored by that if looking for a more intense experience such as "The Descent," while others might be delighted by the down-to-earth approach here over a slapstick one—e.g.: "Sharknado."

This gives room for the actors to shine and make themselves seem a little more believable than cardboard cut-outs for the writer to set up as just an excuse to obliterate when the time comes for some killings from its monster. Kevin Durand, as the Sheriff, plays a guy who's more action than words. He does what needs to be done, except there's a part of himself that fights back emotions until it gets the best of him. His portrayal is not going to win any awards any time soon, however it still brings a certain amount of effort and quality to the table by making his character more relatable than some over-the-top hero who the average guy couldn't step into his shoes. He's 6' 6" and Canadian to boot. Though looks six feet on camera and sounds like a Yankee. Sticking to original point.

"Dark Was the Night" is a movie for a quick distraction. It's not complex by any stretch, but it's also not trying to be.

Rating: 6/10

Director: Jack Heller ("Enter Nowhere")
Actors: Kevin Durand, Lukas Haas, Bianca Kajlich
Info: IMDB link
Trailer: Youtube link