Watch The Dark

The Dark is a horror/thriller film released in 2005, directed by John Fawcett and starring Christian Slater, Tara Reid, and Stephen Dorff. The movie is set in an isolated Welsh village, where a young woman named Adelle (Reid) moves with her husband James (Dorff) and their daughter, hoping for a fresh start after the tragic death of their son. However, Adelle soon begins to experience frightening visions and strange occurrences, leading her to suspect that something sinister is lurking in the shadows.

The film starts with a haunting voiceover by Adelle, who explains that the village is haunted by a curse that causes people to see horrific visions of their darkest fears. One day, while exploring the local caves, Adelle and James stumble upon a mysterious creature that seems to be the source of the curse. They soon discover that the creature is a demon that feeds on the fear and suffering of others, and that it has targeted their family as its next victims.

Christian Slater plays the role of Roy, a local gangster who becomes involved in the couple's struggle against the demon. Slater brings his trademark intensity to the role, playing a character who is initially seen as a menacing presence but eventually reveals himself to be a more complex and sympathetic figure. Tara Reid, best known for her work in comedies like American Pie, shows off her dramatic range as the troubled Adelle, conveying a sense of vulnerability and fear that anchors the film's more supernatural elements. Stephen Dorff, meanwhile, plays the protective and determined James, whose love for his family is put to the ultimate test as he confronts the demon head-on.

The Dark is a visually striking film, with Fawcett creating an eerie and claustrophobic atmosphere that heightens the sense of dread and unease. The underground cave system where much of the film takes place is a genuinely creepy setting, filled with ominous shadows and grotesque imagery. The film also makes effective use of sound design, with the demon's unearthly howls and screams adding an extra layer of terror to the proceedings.

While The Dark is primarily a horror film, it also contains elements of drama and tragedy, particularly in its portrayal of Adelle's grief and trauma. The film takes a psychological approach to its horror, exploring the ways in which fear can consume and distort reality. At its core, the film is about the power of love and family to overcome even the most malevolent and insidious of evils.

Despite its strong cast and compelling premise, The Dark received mixed reviews upon its release, with some critics finding fault with its pacing and reliance on genre tropes. However, the film has since gained a cult following and remains a notable entry in the horror canon. Its blend of traditional horror elements with more nuanced characters and themes make it a unique and memorable addition to the genre.

The Dark is a 2005 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 2.4 and a MetaScore of 9.