Arise from Darkness

I watched Arise from Darkness formally known as 'When my Eyes go Dark' at the world premier (Film Invasion Los Angeles in August). There was much mystique going into the film -- knowing the story behind the screenplay is actually based on real events and the voices in movie were retrieved from exorcisms performed by the Archdiocese of Detroit. The re branding seems a little commercialized for my taste and perhaps they felt it was necessarily since they now released the film mainstream - maybe they thought better to not stay contained as an independent art house fashionista film.

Nevertheless, the film delivers as highly original with great performances and much distraught. I suggest doing some background on the actual story based on the movie before you watch the film, it will indeed prep you and make you even more interested then you were before. For some of you who don't like art house films or get bored by experimental-ism do yourself a favor and look into the movie before hand. It's hard to imagine anyone would have made a better movie with the resources available to them. Kudos to screenplay writer and actor Zachary Laoutides.

The film is definitely creepy and the film is definitely art house. If I'm going go judge the film on it's actual form 'art house' (which I'm doing) then I did enjoy the strange trip.

The movie is a thriller, tied into the paranormal and shot artistically, at times moving into black and white. I enjoyed the aged film look, at times shaky and blurring documentary style. The soundtrack really helps this style evolve (it can be a bit draggy at times) and keeps you interested in the journey of Lazaro Torres the psychic who died five times.

This film comes from the same studio who made the movie called Adios Vaya Con Dios, taking a gangster genre and making an art house film with UK rock music (UK rock/ambient music is also being used again). Some people are going to like the experimental nature of what this studio, perhaps screenplay writer and actor Zachary Laoutides is trying to accomplish. However, if you're looking for a commercialized film that is sharp and shot with the RED camera, you've come to the wrong place.

Arise from Darkness is a dirty, gritty, throw back film that has mainly silent performances over supposed 'real' demonic voices. Interesting to say the least… For all you indie filmmakers and those who are fans of the paranormal this will be your cup of tea. Overall I'm glad movies like these exist and find their way into the mainstream.

The star or stars of the film are the actual demons we hear - exorcisms recorded by the Archdiocese of Detroit. I watched this movie at night and was crept out the first 30 minutes; I turned my lights on as I thought voices were coming out of my bedroom. You wonder if movies that have paranormal recordings can actually open portals to other unworldly dimensions… Okay I'm over exaggerating a bit, but that's what this movie does, my point exactly, you're not actually sure what you're watching or witnessing.

As a viewer you can love it or hate it. For those who believe the supernatural is explained away through science this film will not impress. For those of you who believe in the supernatural then this film will deserve your attention.

I looked into Lazaro Ruben Torres, there's not much online about him just a few brief articles saying the United States is trying to find him in Mexico for murder. Interestingly enough this film explores that. Note that I found the actual 'crime' much more interesting then the scary movie packaging. *I believe from a marketing standpoint the film was a gem of controversy, but it's rather being explored from a Horror gene, which the film shouldn't (shame on you marketing, the brilliance that could have been). The movie is a thriller drama with a supernatural element.

The movie was extremely intelligent by screenplay writer and actor Zachary Laoutides who plays Lazaro. The film is artistic (I can't stress this more), so I can see people getting frustrated with it. Personally, I like the smart-artsy films so I thoroughly enjoyed the movie (have in mind I'm confessing to being a art house lover).

Zachary Laoutides is a one-man-show in the film; it would have been slightly more entertaining if there was more depth performances with the other actors or at least a strong contrast to Lazaro. The bad guys in the film need to play 'bad guys' the character of Aaron (the only other real supporting character) is just to weak for us to have any sympathy or empathy. Rather we find all these character traits in Lazaro as he goes in and out of depression.

Lastly the film plays somewhat silent, it's really an expression piece and that is very hard to pull off; emotions verses dialogue (kudos to the director La Raza, that's why I'm giving this film a nine). This film does just that! A big winner in my book that could have been and should have been promoted differently; staying authentic to the story of true crime. *Luckily I'm not rating the marketing in this review!

The film is like dark poetry. I don't think I would ever use that analogy any place else or ever have, but that's the way this film makes you feel. It's very experimental I might add and the risk of this film must have been enormous! You really don't see these types of films getting picked up, but I'm glad someone is paying attention. I highly recommend the movie to any independent filmmaker or anyone who likes to grab the brush and paint expressionism.

If you think you're getting some horror or slasher flick then stay away. There is a poetic and intelligence to Arise from Darkness that demands an open mind and to pay close attention to the themes of the story. Overall well performed, great soundtrack and a powerful silent screenplay.