The Darkness (2016) – A Creepy Encounter with Supernatural Forces
“The Darkness” (2016) is a supernatural horror film directed by Greg McLean, known for his work on Wolf Creek. The film stars Kevin Bacon, Radha Mitchell, and David Mazouz, and explores the unsettling events that unfold when a family encounters malevolent supernatural entities. While the film features a well-known cast and a chilling premise, it received mixed reviews from critics and audiences.
Plot Summary
The story follows Peter (Kevin Bacon) and Bronny Taylor (Radha Mitchell), who take their children, Michael (David Mazouz) and Stephanie (Lucy Fry), on a trip to the Grand Canyon. During their visit, the family inadvertently disturbs an ancient Native American burial ground, unleashing a series of malevolent supernatural forces.
When they return home, they begin to experience disturbing and terrifying phenomena. The supernatural entities, linked to the disturbances at the Grand Canyon, start to target the family, causing increasing fear and chaos in their lives. Peter and Bronny must uncover the truth behind these forces and protect their family from the malevolent spirits that now haunt them.
Performances and Direction
Kevin Bacon delivers a solid performance as Peter Taylor, bringing depth and vulnerability to the role of a father struggling to protect his family from supernatural threats. Radha Mitchell, as Bronny, also provides a strong performance, effectively conveying the fear and desperation of a mother faced with an inexplicable horror.
David Mazouz, known for his role in Gotham, portrays Michael, the family’s young son who becomes increasingly troubled by the supernatural events. Mazouz’s performance adds a layer of emotional weight to the story, highlighting the impact of the haunting on the family.
Director Greg McLean creates an eerie atmosphere with his direction, utilizing suspenseful moments and unsettling imagery to build tension. However, the film’s execution of its horror elements has been criticized for lacking originality and relying on familiar genre tropes.
Cinematography and Visual Effects
The cinematography by Simon Duggan contributes to the film’s dark and atmospheric tone, capturing both the beauty and menace of the Grand Canyon and the claustrophobic dread of the family’s home. The visual style enhances the film’s sense of unease and contributes to its overall creepy ambiance.
The visual effects, particularly those depicting the supernatural entities, are effective but not groundbreaking. The film uses a combination of practical effects and CGI to create its otherworldly creatures and disturbing imagery. While the effects are generally well-executed, they may not be enough to set the film apart from other entries in the supernatural horror genre.
Themes and Storytelling
“The Darkness” explores themes of familial bonds, the consequences of disturbing sacred ground, and the struggle between good and evil. The film delves into the impact of supernatural forces on a family, examining how these forces can exacerbate existing tensions and fears.
While the premise has potential for a compelling supernatural narrative, the film’s storytelling has been criticized for being formulaic and predictable. The horror elements, though effectively creepy, rely on familiar genre conventions and do not offer significant innovation or depth.
Streaming and Purchase Options in America
For those interested in watching “The Darkness,” several streaming and rental/purchase options are available in America:
- Streaming Services:
- Amazon Prime Video: Available for streaming with a Prime membership or for individual rental/purchase.
- Hulu: The film is available for streaming with a Hulu subscription.
- Rental/Purchase Options:
- Amazon: The movie can be rented or purchased in HD format, providing high-quality viewing.
- Google Play Movies & TV: Offers both rental and purchase options, suitable for Android users.
- Apple iTunes: Users can rent or buy the film in HD, ensuring optimal viewing on Apple devices.
Conclusion
“The Darkness” (2016) is a supernatural horror film that presents a chilling story of a family haunted by malevolent forces. While Kevin Bacon and Radha Mitchell deliver strong performances, and the film’s atmosphere effectively builds tension, the overall execution of its horror elements has received mixed reviews. The film offers a familiar but unsettling experience for fans of the genre, though it may not stand out significantly among other supernatural horror films. If you’re a fan of creepy, family-oriented horror stories, “The Darkness” provides a suspenseful and eerie watch.
