Watch Out of the Darkness

Out of the Darkness is a haunting political drama that tells the true story of a man's struggle to come to terms with the social and political realities of the early 1960s in America. Directed by veteran filmmaker Jud Taylor, the movie revolves around a man named John O'Leary, played by Martin Sheen, who has been released from a mental institution after serving 20 years for supposedly killing his family.

O'Leary is haunted by his memories of his past, but he is determined to start a new life for himself, and he moves to New York City to take on a job as a custodian in a Catholic school. Despite his fear and anxiety, O'Leary slowly begins to regain a sense of his self-worth and to rebuild his life. However, his newfound peace is interrupted when he becomes embroiled in a dangerous web of corruption, intrigue, and violence.

O'Leary's troubles start when he becomes involved in a labor dispute between the school and its custodial staff. Along with his colleague, Father Frank Larkin (Hector Elizondo), he becomes an outspoken supporter of the union, which puts him at odds with the school's principal, Anthony Di Salvo (Matt Clark). But as O'Leary gets closer to the truth about the school's financial dealings, he realizes that there is much more at stake than just workers' rights, and he discovers that he is in way over his head.

The plot thickens as O'Leary is subjected to threats, intimidation, and physical violence. He is accused of stealing money and jeopardizing the school's finances, and he begins to fear for his life. Despite his fears, O'Leary persists in his quest for justice and truth, but he soon realizes that the corrupt forces he is fighting against are far more powerful and entrenched than he ever imagined.

What follows is a gripping tale of corruption, betrayal, and redemption. O'Leary must confront his own past as he battles to uncover the truth and clear his name. Along the way, he learns valuable lessons about courage, loyalty, and the meaning of justice. Despite the odds, O'Leary refuses to give up, and his tenacity and determination inspire others to join him in his fight.

The movie is marked by outstanding performances by its lead actors. Martin Sheen is deeply moving in his portrayal of O'Leary, capturing the character's anguish, vulnerability, and courage with great sensitivity. Hector Elizondo is equally brilliant as Father Larkin, providing a perfect foil to O'Leary's intensity with his calm, measured performance. Matt Clark, in turn, is chillingly convincing as the cold-blooded Di Salvo, exuding malevolence and malice with great effect.

One of the most striking elements of Out of the Darkness is the way in which it captures the mood and atmosphere of the early 1960s. The movie is set against a backdrop of a changing America, grappling with issues of social justice, civil rights, and political upheaval. The period is brought to life through the carefully crafted details of the sets, costumes, and props, which evoke the era's distinctive style and sensibility.

Overall, Out of the Darkness is a gripping, emotionally charged drama that offers a powerful meditation on the nature of justice, redemption, and the human spirit. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and a reminder that even the darkest moments can be overcome with courage, perseverance, and love.

Out of the Darkness is a 1985 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 8 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.