Coming to DVD tomorrow (September 1, 2015) is the horror film Dark Was The Night.
Dark Was The Night is directed by Jack Heller (Enter Nowhere) and stars Kevin Durand (TV’s The Strain, Reel Steal and Wild Hogs), Lukas Haas (Inception, Transcendence) and Bianca Kajlich (Bring It On and TV’s Rules of Engagement).
Paul Shields (Durand) is the Sheriff of a peaceful little town called Maiden Woods. His deputy, Donny Saunders, is new to Maiden Woods. He used to work in New York City but left the hustle and bustle for the peacefulness of a small town.
Sheriff Shields is dealing with his own inner demons. One of his young sons died accidently and he blames himself for the death – even though it was through he had nothing to do with it. As a result of his grief his wife moved out of their marital home with their other son. She didn’t want to but Paul pushed her away after their son’s death.
Strange things start happening around town. A horse disappears, strange footprints are found all around town and mysterious scratches are found on buildings.
Not knowing what is attacking their town the people of Maiden Woods are feeling uneasy and turning to Sheriff Shields to find out what is going on. There are several theories but nothing concrete.
The move Sheriff Shields and Deputy Saunders look into the strange occurrences the more they believe that whatever is causing this is not human. One theory even suggests that the creature responsible is a demon of sorts.
What is behind all the strange and violent things happening around town? How can Sheriff Shields protect the people of Maiden Woods when he couldn’t even protect his own son? Will this be a battle between inner demons and a real demon? To find out you need to pick up a copy of Dark Was The Night, available tomorrow (September 1, 2015) where most movies are sold.
I enjoy Kevin Durand, the actor. He’s been in a lot of films I’ve enjoyed. Sadly he’s always cast as a thug or bad guy due to his large size and muscles. It was refreshing to see him not only play a lead role, but also a good guy too.
I don’t think the film title matched the film. Dark Was The Night has a more poetic feel to it. I think something along the lines of the Beast from Maiden Woods or something along those lines would have suited the film better.
The coloring in this film was all wrong. I know it sounds like an odd thing to say but the outside shots were colorless – very washed out looking. Inside shots were done in more normal coloring. The way the film was shot (in washed out coloring) lent it’s self to something you might see in a post-apocalyptic film. Hopefully you can visualize what I’m saying. I wish the film was shot normally.
I liked the entire story line about the creature, but I could have done without the dead son storyline. I don’t think that was necessary to the overall plot of the film. If anything I think it distracted viewers from the main story line.
I wish they showed the creature more. He’s actually pretty cool looking. It’s not until the very end do you get to see what the creature looks like.
Over all I enjoyed the film. I didn’t find it scary at all. If you find that you startle easily you’ll probably jump out of your seat a few times. For die hard horror film fans you will enjoy the film, but you won’t find it scary.
There are some bonus features on the DVD including a behind the scenes look at the making of the film and interviews with the cast.
Look for Dark Was The Night where ever DVDs are sold.
Below is the film’s trailer for your enjoyment.
Kimberly
*I received a free screener copy in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.