The Dark

Synopsis

In The Dark, directed by John David Coles, William Devane stars as a detective drawn into the mysterious and terrifying world of a supernatural entity that stalks victims in a small town. This horror film centers on a series of gruesome murders linked to a creature that preys on those in darkness, leading to a frantic race against time to uncover the truth before the creature strikes again. As the detective delves deeper into the chilling case, he discovers that the darkness holds more than just shadows; it harbors ancient secrets and unspeakable horrors that could change him forever. With a blend of suspense and gruesome imagery, 'The Dark' invites viewers to fear the night and question what lurks beyond the light. The film encapsulates a gripping narrative, emphasizing the primal fear of the unknown as it explores themes of isolation, evil, and the nature of fear itself.

Cast

• 

  William Devane

  Roy Warner, aka Steve Dupree

• 

  Cathy Lee Crosby

  Zoe Owens

• 

  Richard Jaeckel

  Det. Dave Mooney

• 

  Keenan Wynn

  Sherman 'Sherm' Moss

• 

  Warren J. Kemmerling

  Police Captain Speer

• 

  Biff Elliot

  Detective Jack Bresler

Reviews

The reception of The Dark has largely been mixed, with critics noting both its attempts at horror and its shortcomings in execution. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film does not have an aggregated score, but IMDb users have rated it 4.2/10, reflecting a general sense of disappointment. 'While the film has its creepy moments, it ultimately fails to deliver a coherent narrative,' wrote a critic from MovieWeb, emphasizing its lack of character development. However, some reviews highlighted the atmosphere, with a user commenting, 'The eerie cinematography creates a palpable sense of dread that keeps you on edge.' The Dark also received mention for its sound design; as per a rating on Metacritic, the moodier effects added a layer of psychological horror. Nevertheless, others critiqued the pacing, calling it 'slow and tedious', resulting in a movie that never fully capitalizes on its interesting premise. In summary, 'The Dark' provides chilling moments and visual intrigue but is hampered by its uninspired storytelling, confirming its cult status rather than mainstream horror appeal.