Don’t Turn Out the Lights (2024) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
The road-trip horror genre is no stranger to tension-filled narratives where friendships are tested by supernatural forces. Andy Fickman’s latest film, Don’t Turn Out the Lights (2024), delivers a fresh take on this classic setup. Following a group of friends on their way to a music festival, the movie soon spirals into a chilling encounter with mysterious forces that slowly tear apart their camaraderie. But is this film worth your time, and where can you stream it online? Read on for a spoiler-free review and a guide to streaming services where you can watch Don’t Turn Out the Lights in the U.S.
Plot Overview: A Journey into Darkness
In Don’t Turn Out the Lights, a group of college friends—Olivia, Carrie, Jason, and others—decide to embark on a road trip to a music festival for a weekend of fun. Traveling in an RV, the friends are expecting a weekend filled with wild experiences, but their plans quickly take a sinister turn. An encounter with aggressive truck drivers sets off a chain of events, steering them off course and plunging them into an eerie, supernatural horror that threatens their very lives.
As tension mounts, they must contend with mysterious forces that manifest as ominous red eyes lurking in the dark. Struggling to survive, the group’s paranoia deepens, and soon they are at each other’s throats, unsure of what’s real and what’s imagined.
Character Breakdown: The Friction Among Friends
One of the strengths of Don’t Turn Out the Lights is its ensemble cast, each character bringing their own quirks and baggage into the story:
- Olivia (Crystal Lake Evans) – The self-absorbed leader of the group, Olivia’s obsession with filming their trip makes her friends uneasy. Her motivations soon come into question as tensions rise.
- Carrie (Bella DeLong) – Olivia’s anxious best friend, who is constantly skeptical of their situation. Her growing paranoia drives much of the film’s tension.
- Jason (John Bucy) – A former Marine who serves as the voice of reason within the group, often stepping in to keep his friends safe during moments of chaos.
Each character adds to the film’s tension in their own way. While some are more sympathetic than others, their conflicting personalities make for a dynamic, if somewhat frustrating, ensemble. However, the film doesn’t shy away from caricatures, sometimes leaning into familiar tropes—the drug user, the overly rich friend, and the reluctant outsider.
Film Analysis: A Mixed Bag of Horror Tropes
At its core, Don’t Turn Out the Lights is a hybrid of classic horror tropes, combining elements of road-trip horror, supernatural suspense, and social commentary. The tension in the film isn’t solely driven by the supernatural; it’s also a psychological thriller that delves into how fear can warp relationships.
Director Andy Fickman does an admirable job of creating an atmospheric, slow-burning horror experience. The film effectively uses its rural setting to invoke fear, as the characters are stranded in the middle of nowhere with no clear escape. The menacing red eyes that seem to follow them add a touch of mystery, keeping viewers guessing whether the danger is human, supernatural, or somewhere in between.
However, the film suffers from occasional pacing issues. Some scenes feel padded with unnecessary dialogue, slowing down the overall narrative. For instance, long-winded conversations about relationships and personal issues don’t do much to advance the plot or develop the characters. This is where the movie’s weaknesses show—the dialogue often feels forced, and certain scenes could have been tightened for a more cohesive story.
Despite its flaws, the film’s blend of horror and paranoia works well, especially for viewers who appreciate subtle, tension-filled moments that gradually build up to terror. Don’t Turn Out the Lights isn’t just about jump scares; it’s about the slow, creeping dread of being hunted by something unseen and unknown.
Where to Watch Don’t Turn Out the Lights Online
If you’re looking to watch Don’t Turn Out the Lights, several streaming platforms offer the film for both rental and purchase. Here are some options where you can stream the movie in the U.S.:
- Hoopla – Available for free with a library card, this streaming service offers a range of indie and genre films, including Don’t Turn Out the Lights. You can stream it directly through their platform by visiting Hoopla Digital.
- Apple TV – Don’t Turn Out the Lights is available for rental or purchase on Apple TV, where you can stream it in HD or 4K.
- Amazon Prime Video – Rent or buy the movie on Amazon and enjoy it on your device of choice. Prime members may also receive discounts on rentals.
- Spectrum – If you’re a Spectrum subscriber, you can rent or purchase Don’t Turn Out the Lights through their On Demand service.
Final Verdict: Is Don’t Turn Out the Lights Worth Watching?
Don’t Turn Out the Lights offers a mix of horror and psychological tension, making it a decent watch for fans of the genre who enjoy films with a slow burn. However, the movie’s pacing issues and unlikable characters might detract from the experience for some viewers. That said, it still has its moments—especially if you’re watching it with friends who enjoy debating over what’s real and what’s imagined in a horror movie.
Overall, the film isn’t groundbreaking, but its unique take on paranoia, combined with moments of humor and dread, makes it worth a watch, especially if you’re in the mood for a horror movie that keeps you guessing.
