The world premiere of “Dark Match” at the 2024 Fantasia Film Festival on July 21st means Mother of Movies can finally talk about how great it is. The film has Steven Ogg, professional wrestler Chris Jericho, Michael Eklund, and Sara Canning among its diverse cast. While wrestling isn’t usually my cup of tea, the concept of a horror setting intertwined with a group of grapplers enticed into a high-stakes match for cash is undeniably exciting.
Dark Match cinematography by Karim Hussain (Infinity Pool) captures the gritty, in-your-face intensity of wrestling brilliantly. If you enjoy feeling every slam and grunt, Hussain’s work delivers. One unforgettable scene features a wrestler walking past fans to enter the ring, spitting in a man’s face as he boos with the rest of the crowd. The man’s smile afterward, feeling like he’s part of the action, perfectly encapsulates those electric live event emotions. Every moment, with or without spit, seizes that atmosphere, and the visuals kept me engaged every second.
Directed and written by Lowell Dean, fans of Wolf Cop will be thrilled to have him back behind the camera. This film delivers blood, gore, and a smorgasbord of eclectic characters, each with their unique stories. It’s like watching wrestling on television, except this time, the Death Match is quite literal.
Lubricabria
Among the characters are the formidable Mean Joe Lean (Steven Ogg), the lady in red, Miss Behave, the American Sweetheart Kate the Great, the silent Enigma, and the comedic duo Thick and Thin, along with a host of other costumed killing machines, all contributing to the highly competitive spectacle of violence.
Chris Jericho is an outstanding addition to this soon-to-be cult classic horror film. Watching Jericho in this role, especially after familiarising myself with his WWE career, makes it clear why he’s perfect for the part. Dark Match successfully balances its serious tone, avoiding the over-the-top theatrics and verbose exchanges typical in professional wrestling. This focus is what makes it work. His portrayal of a cult leader commanding hundreds of followers cements his status as an icon. One of his henchmen Spencer (Michael Eklund) was awesome too.
Guests of Honor – Dark Match 2024
Dark Match is a must-see, blood-soaked, and, energetic film with a bonkers ending that suits it perfectly.
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Writer-Director Lowell Dean
Production Company DEPT.9 STUDIOS.
Cast of Dark Match
Miss Behave – Ayisha Issa
Mean Joe Lean – Steven Ogg
Enigma – Mo Jabari
Kate the Great – Sara Canning
Leader – Chris Jericho
Rusty – Jonathan Cherry
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The teaser trailer is spoiler free, watch it below
