Dark

After seeing this I can understand why this film seems to be so polarizing. If you go into it expecting a typical plot driven suspense/horror film you'll be disappointed. If you go in with an open mind and click into what the film is doing you'll be treated to an experiential, character driven thriller which pays off in the end. At its center is an award worthy performance by Whitney Able as a very damaged young woman (ex-model) whose internal demons manifest themselves in the darkness of her New York city apartment during the 2003 blackout. The performances are strong all around and it's beautifully shot, especially it's use of darkness and what you don't see. The film can be slow in parts but is ultimately in the service of character arc and building atmosphere. If you have patience you'll be rewarded with an astounding performance and suspenseful voyage into the id.

Phenomenal performance by Whitney Able and the rest of the cast with great direction by Basile. One of the best arty indies I've seen this year. It's an atmospheric and intense emotional ride through the very disturbed brain of the main protagonist. I wish there were more movies made like this. It's also a terrifying and unsettling depiction of New York City during the blackout. I've read some comments where people complain about the film being too slow or too ambiguous. For me the gradual build and deliberate pacing is what set this film apart and allowed for me to really care about the main character. The finale of the film wouldn't have worked nearly as well if the buildup was rushed. I also really liked some of the ambiguous elements in the film. Today it seems like audiences want everything spelled out. The filmmakers here instead allow the audience to fill in some of the blanks which I find refreshing. Admittedly, this may not be everyone's cup of tea but I found it to be surprisingly well done. A very underrated thriller which I highly recommend.

WARNING: This is a thinking person's movie. After watching it the other night I was on the fence. I didn't know if I loved or hated this movie. Looking at reviews on here, it seems like other people have the same split reaction. On one hand it was NOT the movie I was expecting. From the description I thought it would be a thriller about home invaders during a blackout, instead of the slow psychological drama about a very depressed and paranoid woman who is coming apart from the inside. The blackout only works as a catalyst for her mental disintegration. After it was over I wasn't sure what the filmmaker was trying to say. Then as the next couple of days passed I realized the movie stuck with me. Whitney Able's performance was emotionally heartrending and the film has a way of getting under your skin. Certain aspects of the film started to impress me more 24 hours after I had watched it. So much of going to the movies today is about being mildly entertained for two hours and then walking out and forgetting about the experience. This film is the opposite. I can see why now some people hate it and others seem to love it. The film grew on me and I am really impressed with what the filmmakers did, especially on a low budget. It's not a perfect film but it is an emotional one which feels very personal. And that is refreshing in this day of mostly forgettable entertainment.

I gave 3 stars because I spent so much time rolling my eyes watching this that I may have missed something worth seeing. There are few if any redeeming qualities associated with this film. I'm curious if it provided any inspiration for the 2019 film "The Wolf Hour" with Naomi Watts which is a far better film but still middle of the road for the genre. Skip this snooze fest.

Even the worst films have some redeemable qualities, be it good acting, a solid premise, or even a good musical score. This film has absolutely none of that. Rarely have I seen such inept and completely talent-less film making, but this...this takes the damned cake with the many poor decision are made. First, the premise; What, exactly, is going on here? Is it the story of a Lesbian who suddenly decides that she doesn't like girls anymore? Is it the story of the NYC blackout of 2003? Or is it a story of girl who is mentally ill in some way? None of these questions are really answered. What you will find, however, is a useless lesbian sex scene (denoting some form of abuse or BDSM that is never fully realized), some absolutely horrendous acting by the female lead, and supporting characters that should never be given a role in a film ever again. The movie moves in a plodding pace, barely anything happens, and when it does, it is hidden by the poor use of shadow during the "blackout".

I have seen some dreadful movies in my day, and if you look at my review history, I do not shy away from calling a spade a spade, but this film has got to be one of the most inept, embarrassing, and downright insulting excuses for a horror film I have ever seen. Nothing about this film will be remembered, and for good reason; it is a shameful vanity project that shows neither merit nor skill, and you be be lucky to never have seen it. Avoid it like it has an airborne disease and your immune system is compromised.