“Between the Darkness” is a great title for a movie. This movie leans into classic horror and thriller movie aesthetics and is also known as “Come Said the Night.” Its intriguing storyline and spine-chilling elements make this a journey into the depths of a haunting universe. Fans of the Walking Dead series will instantly recognize Lew Temple, who delivers a grungy performance as the menacing father figure. Additionally, Halloween franchise enthusiasts will be thrilled to see Danielle Harris. Harris is known for her role as Jamie Lloyd in the iconic horror series. Here she plays Stella, who is a character unaware of the looming danger she encounters when she gets involved with Roy.
Between the Darkness Review
When the film begins, we are introduced to Sprout, who awakens from a harrowing nightmare. This sequence serves as a poignant flashback before transitioning to a tranquil drive in the present time, where we join the family trio. Roy, Sprout, and Percy reside in a secluded home nestled amidst the breathtaking mountains. As they gather around the dinner table, they offer a prayer. This prayer marks the first anniversary of Magda’s passing, their beloved sister and daughter. The scene then unravels with flashbacks featuring Roy and the two surviving daughters, brimming with happiness and culminating in a pivotal moment as they release balloons, symbolizing a connection to Magda.
Sprout’s nightmares harbor remnants of her sister and mother, rendering her immobile with a distressing affliction. The story for Between the Darkness subtly suggests that her father may be somehow responsible, fueled by his peculiar behavior and unorthodox beliefs. The seclusion of their home ensures that no external doubts can take root, as Roy earnestly lectures about the gods and their significance, a doctrine Sprout’s departed sister had embraced. Both young girls, sheltered from reality, gaze at their father with innocent trust and unwavering faith.
To an outsider, Roy may come across as an eccentric nature enthusiast, a whimsical soul. When Ranger Stella unexpectedly enters the picture, she wonders if all he needs is the affection of a caring woman. However, it is her son, Max, who begins untangling the web of secrets, wasting no time in revealing to his mother the hidden truths that Roy had shielded them from, truths that only children can uncover.
“There are no Gods. Only Monsters”
“Between the Darkness” poses a compelling question: are monsters real? As we follow the story, it becomes evident that the director deliberately creates an ambiguity surrounding the existence of these creatures. However, drawing from the cinematic techniques employed, such as the use of flashbacks and dream sequences, one can gather a sense of atmospheric tension and a nuanced portrayal of the protagonist’s mental state. Despite the father’s seemingly deranged behavior, it is through his actions that he manages to manipulate his children into believing that everything is normal. The unsettling details like Percy’s plastic-wrapped hands, his silence, the presence of nocturnal terrors, and the discovery of lifeless animals in the nearby woods further heighten the suspense. Ultimately, the true monster might not reside in the forest, but rather within the depths of the characters’ minds.
Come Said the Night
The driving force of Between the Darkness is performance. There’s innocence in Sherman’s Sprout that simply does the part justice. Tate Berchmore takes a striking resemblance to Milly Shapiro’s Charlie (Hereditary.) I think Tate does a fine job playing the role of a damaged and introverted character as well Lew Temple is an easy ‘bad guy’ especially when you consider that his speaking voice and resonance instantly set you off guard.
I give Come Said the Night
3 When kids shouldn’t play together out of 5
Killer Horror Critic has a great review for Between the Darkness if you want more proof about whether you should watch this film.
Between the Darkness Movie Trailer
Between the Darkness hit digital streaming platforms on August 20, 2019
- Director and writer Andres Rovira.
- The cast of Between the Darkness:
- Lew Temple
- Danielle Harris
- Nicole Moorea Sherman
