The Strange Dark

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!

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!

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.

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.