The Strange Dark

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!

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!

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.

The script and the acting are the stars of this film. The story went in surprising directions and the acting kept me riveted and eager for a good outcome for the characters. Smart, funny, and thrilling. The fact that the story is set in one location makes the film that much more impressive. They say every story's already been told, and it's difficult nowadays to subvert an audience's expectations, but this film certainly does that. It was never predictable and I was delighted to be taken along on the journey of these characters. A truly original story with wonderful actors and solid direction. Highly recommend!

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.