The Strange Dark

This story reads as science fiction but it would be more accurate to describe as suspense with a science fiction Macguffin. It is full of surprising characters and twists, all the more astonishing for taking place in an ordinary looking home.

Not surprisingly the best roles go to the villains played by a creepy Carmen Borla and and alternatively hilarious and scary Bates Wilder.

Built on the back of a masterclass screenplay, every actor pulls their weight in bringing this adventure to life. At around 90 minutes, there's no fat on this movie at all and the rapid back-and-forth dialogue as well as the twists and turns in the plot will keep even the shortest attention span at the edge of their seat. Threading the needle between thriller, sci-fi, and comedy, this is a wild ride for all types of movie lovers. Watch it alone at 3am or with a big group of friends and don't forget to bring your shades for the bright future this movie surely has.

In a world plagued by cynical Hollywood blockbusters constantly undermining their own sincerity with poorly-timed jokes and wildly unfunny memes, The Strange Dark is a rare treat: a film that deftly balances tense drama and witty banter while keeping its emotional center intact. It's a story that, at its core, is about two "families" in conflict with each other, and with themselves. The stakes are small, but very personal-a trait represented in part by its setting, which keeps the whole narrative rooted in one house, though with plenty of fun twists and surprises along the way to keep that small scope interesting. It's a film driven by strong characters and their relationships with each other. Those clever, friction-filled dynamics make even the quieter scenes buzz with tension that holds up well on additional viewings. The Strange Dark is clever, it's exciting, it's laugh-out-loud funny, and it's a wonderfully fun watch. But, most importantly of all, it's got heart. It's one of the best movies I've seen all year, and I'm eagerly awaiting its wide release so I can watch it again!

The Strange Dark is a rare blend of heart and imagination. It's an edgy, inventive take on sci-fi with a strong emotional core. At its heart, it's a story about a family that's flawed, funny, and deeply human. The narrative takes risks, yet always circles back to something warm and profoundly moving. By the end, what lingers is the tenderness of its resolution... a reminder that even in the strangest circumstances and with a key that unlocks mysteries of the universe, love and family remain paramount.

Tightly written, perfectly cast, beautifully shot thriller. I saw this at a film festival where most of the films could do with some heavy editing. You could not take one minute out of this piece. Heard from the director at the Q&A and I'm amazed how much he accomplished with a relatively small budget. "Sci Fi/Thriller" is not my usual cup of tea but this is a pretty perfect little film. In a time when "story" is almost non-existent, this film shows that there are still well-written movies out there.