Out of Darkness

A small, hungry, group of Stone Age hipsters are hunted through a harsh landscape (the wilds of Scotland) by an unseen, seemingly supernatural, presence. More of a low-key indie survival thriller than an actual horror film, which I think it is being marketed as. In fact, if you go in expecting a horror film, you may be quite disappointed (or even want your money back). Despite the occasional bloody scene, it's a little like a horror film that's been made by and for people who don't really like horror films, but want a bit of that 'Saint Maud' action.

Grumbling about lack of 'horror' aside, the performances are fine, the cinematography, sound and costumes are excellent, and it's impressive that it was made for a low budget, out in the cold and rain, under covid restrictions. It's a good-looking, atmospheric film. If someone you knew had made it, you'd be very impressed. But compared to films that share a similar plot, like Predator, The Ritual, Valhalla Rising, Deliverance...well, it just can't compete. It lacks the tension, suspense, thrills, catharsis, tight script, and great characterisation. It's just not that engaging. That said, if you enjoy slightly arty low-budget UK indie films, you might find something to enjoy here.

My wife and I attended a screening of the UK film 🇬🇧 Out of Darkness (2022) in theaters last night. The storyline follows a group of individuals working together during prehistoric times, seeking a new home and means of survival. Arriving in a new land with limited resources, they hunt for survival only to discover they are not the sole hunters.

Directed by Andrew Cumming in his major motion picture debut, the film stars Chuku Modu (Captain Marvel), Safia Oakley-Green (She Said), Kit Young (Shadow and Bone), Arno Lüning (Bad Girls), and Luna Mwezi (Needle Park Baby).

A well-crafted picture with a premise reminiscent of 13th Warrior, the cinematography, attire, and props authentically transport you to the era, conveying the desperation for survival and lack of hope. The characters' unity in the face of madness is palpable. While the big reveal didn't resonate with me as expected, it's a smart twist depicting evolution. The film captures a time that could well be a forgotten true story. Solid horror elements, noteworthy kills, and impressive gore contribute to the experience.

In conclusion, Out of Darkness possesses worthwhile elements but falls slightly short of its potential. I would give it a 5.5-6/10 and recommend watching it at least once.

The movie begins interestingly enough as we are introduced to the characters. There are subtitles as the characters speak a language developed for the film and the story telling around the fire does have a good atmospheric effect, but very quickly the characters begin to distract from that atmosphere. This group of Northern Europeans from 45,000 years ago is made up of what appears to be three people of at least partial African descent, one of Middle Eastern descent and one Caucasian, all of whom have short or close cropped haircuts you'd be unsurprised to see today. The skins they wear are almost modern in their appearance and they are sewn and stitched again in what appears a very modern way. From here the movie continues to be an uneven mashup of entertaining suspense followed by confusing choices while not quite allowing the viewer to suspend disbelief. Loose ends abound from the odd black goo discovered after a major plot point, to the gory "slaughterhouse" area found all the while decrying the lack of game to hunt. It seems forced and manufactured and worst of all the villainous force at the end is comical and absurd. Also, the slaughtered mammoth that is found seems to be related to the villain, but again, that too adds to the absurdity. By the end of the movie, I was out of patience and ready to leave. Very mediocre and ok to watch for free somewhere but don't pay for it.

One sentence summary: After embarking on a long voyage, a tribe of ancient humans must navigate a foreign land to find shelter while being hunted by unknown adversaries at night.

The idea for which this film's plot was formulated had some interesting potential. The setting was expansive, the practical effects were outstanding, and the acting was mostly admirable, but the progression of the story led to an ending that left a sour taste in my mouth, to say the least. The core conflict of morality versus survival is certainly a well explored topic, however when portrayed correctly, it still packs a punch. With another rewrite and some fine-tuning of the script, Out of Darkness could've achieved something great. But as it stands, I'll mostly likely look back on this film as something of a missed opportunity.

45,000 years ago, a group of people desperately try to evade a malevolent force, they must hone their survival skills to stay alive.

I watched this at The Odeon, as part of the Screen Unseen releases, I'd like to rewatch again at home, just to try and understand it a little better.

Billed to me as a horror movie, and whilst I'd say there are horror elements, please don't go expecting a horror movie, if you do, you'll be disappointed.

Whilst I wouldn't say it's my type of film, there are several positives I took away. The cinematography is quite something, it looks amazing, and the actors do a grand job, consider the language they're using, and there is a degree of tension and expectation. The music is good too, very 80's.

Sadly it just go anywhere, and the pacing for me was the major frustration, when I'm in the cinema and fidgeting, I know I'm at the wrong film.

I can't really go much higher than a five, as it committed the biggest film sin of all, it was boring, but it's not without merit.

5/10.