The Strange Dark

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.

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.

What a wonderful treat it is to watch this film! It's so well-constructed, well-executed, well-written, well-edited, well-acted, and beautifully shot. Messineo is a skilled Writer/Director story-teller. This movie was the gem of this year's festival season! Can't wait for it to get a wider release.

Part thriller, part sci-fi, and at the same time a great story about a family in crisis -- it's like a really good episode of The Twilight Zone meets Knives Out. This movie is so much fun to watch -- the dialog is great! The actor's are wonderful and it has something to say. Can't recommend this film highly enough.

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.

One of the smartest and most original films I've ever seen! From the very first scene, it grips the audience and immerses them in a true cinematic experience.

The plot unfolds like a beautifully layered mystery, keeping you guessing until the final moments. With its charming characters, sharp comedic timing, and abundance of heart, this film strikes a perfect balance between intrigue and warmth.

Writer and director Chris Messineo has crafted a genuine masterpiece, drawing inspiration from classics like The Twilight Zone and Men in Black. These influences are seamlessly woven into a fresh, modern narrative that feels both nostalgic and innovative.

This is a film that will captivate audiences and stands as undeniable proof that original storytelling is alive and well!