Watch Super Dark Times

In the movie Super Dark Times, which premiered in 2017, director Kevin Phillips and screenwriters Ben Collins and Luke Piotrowski explored the dark side of human nature and the impact of trauma on teenagers. Set in the mid-1990s in upstate New York, the film tells the story of two best friends, Zach (Owen Campbell) and Josh (Charlie Tahan), who find themselves caught in a web of lies and guilt after a tragic accident.

The movie opens with a serene shot of a creek flowing in the woods, accompanied by the sound of chirping birds and the rustling of leaves. A few seconds later, we see Zach and Josh riding their bikes under a cloudy sky, carrying fishing gear and chatting about girls and movies. They seem like typical teenagers, eager to conquer the world and savor the last days of summer vacation.

However, their idyllic existence is shattered when they encounter a strange figure in the woods, a disturbed boy named Daryl (Max Talisman) who taunts them with a samurai sword and threatens to reveal their secrets. The encounter leaves them both traumatized and confused, and they struggle to make sense of what happened and how to move on.

As the days pass, their relationship becomes strained by guilt, paranoia, and secrets. Zach starts to distance himself from Josh and becomes obsessed with a girl from school, Allison (Elizabeth Cappuccino), who harbors her own dark secrets. Josh, on the other hand, becomes more erratic and violent, fueled by anger and fear. He starts to bully Daryl and steal his drugs, leading to a climactic confrontation that tests their loyalty and sanity.

Super Dark Times is a coming-of-age story that flips the script of the typical teen drama. Instead of focusing on romance, fashion, or music, it delves into the shadowy corners of adolescence, where violence, trauma, and loneliness lurk. The film captures the awkwardness, insecurity, and rebelliousness of teenagers, as well as their capacity for cruelty and compassion.

One of the strengths of Super Dark Times is the acting. Owen Campbell and Charlie Tahan give nuanced and powerful performances as Zach and Josh, respectively. They convey a sense of intimacy and vulnerability that makes their friendship believable and poignant. We see how they share jokes, fears, and secrets, and how they struggle to protect each other while coping with their own demons.

Elizabeth Cappuccino also shines as Allison, the object of Zach's affections. She portrays a complex and troubled character who masks her pain with cynicism and detachment. She and Zach share a few tender and awkward moments that add depth to the narrative and show how fragile and fleeting teenage romance can be.

Another notable aspect of Super Dark Times is the cinematography. The film captures the beauty and gloom of the suburban landscape, with its sprawling lawns, dilapidated buildings, and abandoned factories. The visuals are often juxtaposed with eerie sound effects and haunting music, creating an atmosphere of tension and foreboding.

Super Dark Times is not a feel-good movie or a crowd-pleaser. It deals with dark themes and graphic violence that may be disturbing for some viewers. However, it is a well-crafted and thought-provoking film that deserves to be seen and discussed. It raises questions about friendship, loyalty, and the consequences of our actions, and it shows how easily our lives can spiral out of control.

Overall, Super Dark Times is a gripping and unsettling film that explores the darker side of adolescence and leaves a lasting impression. It is a testament to the power of independent cinema and a reminder that some of the most memorable films are the ones that challenge and provoke us.

Super Dark Times is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6 and a MetaScore of 75.