Lights Out

Synopsis

Lights Out is a chilling 2013 short horror film directed by David F. Sandberg, starring Lotta Losten. The film centers on a woman who experiences terrifying encounters with a shadowy, supernatural entity that only appears when the lights go out. As the line between reality and fear blurs, she must confront this darkness that seems bound to the light switch. This minimalist yet profoundly effective horror narrative uses darkness and light to build tension and evoke a primal fear of the unknown. The film’s clever use of lighting and sound design makes it an intense and memorable experience despite its brief runtime.

Cast

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  Lotta Losten

  Woman

Reviews

Lights Out garnered widespread acclaim from both critics and audiences for its innovative approach to horror storytelling within a very short timeframe. On IMDb, it holds a commendable rating of 7.6/10, reflecting strong audience appreciation. Critics praised the film’s ability to generate genuine fear and suspense with minimal dialogue and simple effects, highlighting Lotta Losten’s compelling performance. Rotten Tomatoes does not provide a formal rating for this short, but user reviews often emphasize its mastery in creating a tense atmosphere using shadow and light. Horror bloggers and reviewers lauded David F. Sandberg's direction, with Variety describing it as "a nifty and nerve-wracking exercise in minimalistic horror." Some criticisms noted that its extremely short length left viewers wanting more development, though this was also seen as part of its charm, leaving a lasting impression through brevity. Overall, Lights Out is recognized for revitalizing the short horror genre and inspiring a full-length feature adaptation.