Watch Lights Out

Lights Out is a 2016 psychological horror film directed by David F. Sandberg and produced by James Wan. It features a cast of talented actors including Harry Rolon, Joshua Ramos, and Yariza Rodriguez. The movie is based on the short film of the same name, which was also directed by Sandberg. Upon first glance, this movie seems to follow the typical horror film formula—there is a family, a haunted house, and a mysterious entity that terrorizes the family. However, Lights Out subverts these tropes and delves deeper into the psyche of its characters. The film centers on the experiences of a family terrorized by a malevolent entity that can only manifest when the lights are turned off.

The story begins with Rebecca (Teresa Palmer), a young woman who is still dealing with the trauma of her father's suicide many years ago. She lives alone and isn't very close to her family, especially her mother Sophie (Maria Bello), who has been suffering from mental illness for many years. However, all of that changes when her little brother Martin (Gabriel Bateman) reveals that he has been experiencing the same supernatural occurrences that Rebecca had experienced as a child.

The entity, which is only visible when the lights are off, is a disturbing and malevolent presence that feeds on fear and despair. It was first discovered by Sophie, who has been interacting with it for years. She is convinced that the entity is a manifestation of her friend Diana, who died in a mental institution many years ago. Diana serves as a metaphor for mental illness and the struggles that come with it.

As Sophie's mental health deteriorates, the entity becomes more powerful and aggressive. It begins to terrorize Martin and Rebecca, who are desperately trying to find a way to stop it. Along the way, they enlist the help of Rebecca's boyfriend Bret (Alexander DiPersia), who works at a local diner and brings a much-needed sense of levity to the story.

The movie features some truly terrifying scenes that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats. The use of light and shadow is particularly noteworthy, as the entity can only move when the lights are off, adding to the tension and fear. The sound design is also excellent, and combined with the cinematography, it creates a haunting and immersive atmosphere.

What sets Lights Out apart from other horror movies is its focus on mental health and the impact it has on individuals and families. The film explores the toll that mental illness takes on both the individual and their loved ones, and how it can manifest in different ways. Sophie's struggles with mental illness are portrayed with sensitivity and nuance, and the film doesn't shy away from showing the impact it has on her family.

Overall, Lights Out is an excellent horror movie that manages to be scary while also exploring deeper themes. The performances are top-notch, the direction is impressive, and the story is both engaging and thought-provoking. If you are a fan of horror movies, this is definitely one to add to your list.