Watch Darkness on the Edge of Town
- NR
- 2015
- 1 hr 27 min
-
5.6 (341)
Darkness on the Edge of Town is a gripping and intense thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The film follows the story of Cleo, a troubled young woman who returns home to Dublin after several years away to confront her abusive father and seek revenge for the trauma he inflicted upon her and her sister. However, as Cleo becomes more embroiled in her plans for revenge, she soon finds herself caught up in a dangerous and violent world that threatens to consume her completely.
Played by the talented Olwen Catherine Kelly, Cleo is a complex and fascinating character who is both vulnerable and fiercely determined. As she delves deeper into the seedy underbelly of Dublin's criminal underworld, she discovers a web of lies, criminality and corruption that is as terrifying as it is real. Along the way, she encounters a cast of shady characters, including her father's former right-hand man, played with sinister charm by Brian Gleeson, and a troubled young woman named Robin, played by Emma Eliza Regan.
Together, these three characters form the heart of the film, each navigating their own personal demons and struggling to find a way out of the darkness that surrounds them. The chemistry between the actors is superb, imbuing each scene with an intensity and energy that is nothing short of electrifying. Kelly, in particular, gives a truly stunning performance as the damaged but determined Cleo, bringing a fierce authenticity to her character that is impossible to ignore.
But it's not just the cast that makes Darkness on the Edge of Town such a compelling watch. The film is also expertly crafted, with director Patrick Ryan masterfully building tension and suspense throughout. The brooding, atmospheric cinematography creates a sense of claustrophobia and menace that perfectly captures the mood of the piece, while the pulsing electronica soundtrack by Gavin O'Brien adds an extra layer of urgency and momentum.
What's more, the film tackles some weighty themes and issues with skill and subtlety. At its core, Darkness on the Edge of Town is a story about trauma, revenge and redemption - about the ways in which people can be shaped and scarred by their experiences, and about the desperate lengths they will go to in order to find some sense of closure or justice. It's a dark and uncomfortable story, but one that is writ large in the harsh realities of contemporary society.
Throughout it all, Ryan maintains a tight grip on the narrative, never losing sight of the emotional and psychological stakes that are driving the story forward. From the opening frames to the film's explosive finale, Darkness on the Edge of Town is a thrilling and unforgettable ride that will leave you breathless and clamoring for more. So if you're in the mood for a gritty, gripping and utterly thrilling thriller, be sure to check this one out - it's one of the best of its kind in recent years.
Darkness on the Edge of Town is a 2015 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6.