The Strange Dark

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!

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.

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.

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!