The Strange Dark

Set in one house with seven characters, The Strange Dark makes the most of its 84-minute runtime with an action-packed, heartfelt sci-fi mystery that expertly unravels through its non-linear storytelling. All lead performances are fantastic, with Nili Bassman's Susan and Caleb Scott's Edgar at the heart of the story. The director, Chris Messineo, was a film school teacher for over a decade, and his directing here shows that although it's a feature-length debut, he is still an expert at controlling a scene and a set. Another aspect of The Strange Dark that shines is the comedy. While the film is a thriller first, it is still exceptionally funny due to its comic relief characters of Frank, The Kid, and Cole. The entire theater fell in love with these characters and quoted some of their lines on the way out. The film is paced perfectly between its tenseness, comedy, and touching moments involving Susan, Edgar, and their daughter Taylor. It is truly a feat of filmmaking, and I implore you to see The Strange Dark if it ever plays at a festival near you.

Strange Dark is a gripping, time-bending thriller that starts with a simple knock at the door and spirals into a suspenseful, layered narrative. When a woman is told by two strangers that her husband has stolen secret information from his company, the fabric of trust within the family begins to unravel. What follows is a beautifully intricate story that dances back and forth in time, keeping you guessing while also offering unexpected, tender moments of comedy.

The direction is bold, and the screenplay crackles with nuance-full of sharp dialogue and emotional depth. The performances are stellar; the actors navigate the script's twists with a grounded intensity, balancing paranoia with moments of genuine warmth. The cinematography is especially worth mentioning-gorgeous, moody, and haunting in all the right ways.

A psychological puzzle with heart, Strange Dark is as entertaining as it is unsettling. A standout film that lingers long after the credits roll.

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!

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!