By Melissa Ann
The possession/exorcism subgenre has proved to be one of the most popular with filmmakers and horror fans alike. The fear of demons lurking in our world, waiting to take over has deep roots for many because of religious connotations. Tales of possession date back to biblical times and are still told today in updated versions.
In the Dark is a 2015 indie horror film written and directed by David Spaltro and produced by Seven Oaks Films and Intimation Productions. Veronica (Lynn Justinger) is a skeptical psychology grad student who interviews paranormal specialist Dr. Kearne (Fiona Horrigan) for her thesis. When Dr. Kearne takes on a case involving a young woman who seems to be possessed, Veronica comes along to observe and assist. The young woman in question, Bethany (Grace Folsom), has all of the signs of possession and her mother Joan (Catherine Cobb Ryan) is desperate for help. Bethany’s condition worsens after just a few days and bizarre events begin to affect everyone involved. Veronica’s skepticism doesn’t survive everything that she witnesses and has more stress added by the fact that she is dealing with an unplanned pregnancy. Dr. Kearne, Veronica and Joan work to try and save Bethany as she gets more and more lost to the ancient evil within her.
The overall story and details make up for the plot itself not being entirely original. It was refreshing to have an all-female main cast in a horror movie and see them portrayed as smart and strong women in their own ways. The actresses did well to make the characters believable and real. Grace Folsom pulled off a haunting performance as Bethany and managed to give me the creeps more than a few times. I also appreciated that In the Dark doesn’t have a feel good ending. I am completely okay with films that aren’t afraid to replace the “happily ever after” with a punch to the gut instead.
The elements that often suffer in lower budget indie films weren’t much of an issue for In the Dark. The atmosphere within almost every location felt dark and unsettling thanks to lighting and music. The practical effects and creature design, provided by Monster in My Closet (Boardwalk Empire, The Amazing Spiderman 2), were executed very well.
There have been several gems over the last few years in the possession/exorcism category, including The Taking of Deborah Logan, The Possession of Michael King and Deliver Us From Evil. Fans of those movies are sure to enjoy In the Dark.
Rating: 7.5/10
