Synopsis:
This film, Lights Out (2016), Wondering what it might be like watching a horror film about darkness? If so, Lights Out is perfect for you. Sabrina’s paranoia leads her to believe that a demon emerges from the shadows at night, seeking to destroy anyone who dares to leave their light source on. The movie then delves into the unsettling experience of a woman named Esther, an employee at a textile warehouse, who encounters a dark, cloudlike figure in the workplace that stalks her but fades away when the lights are on. This event sets the tone for a film where light and dark are not simply visual elements but rather signifiers of safety and danger.
Rebecca (Teresa Palmer), portrayed as the protagonist of the film, is forced to confront her estranged family, including her mentally unstable mother, Sophie (Maria Bello). Her life has been hard ever since her mother’s illness mixed with the unexplained death of her stepfather. With time, she learns that her younger half brother, Martin (Gabriel Bateman), who has now started to suffer from terrifying visions and sleep deprivation, is the reason why she is pulled back into the family feud.
Martin reports seeing a creature in the dark, an entity named Diana. It becomes clear that there was indeed a Diana who had a peculiar bond with Sophie in a psychiatric facility as children. Diana was said to have a peculiar skin condition which made her a photophobic. After a certain surgical procedure which had a lot of controversy surrounding it, she was believed to have died. Yet, her essence remained. She became a spirit tied to Sophie because of the bond they shared.
Diana’s influence increases, resulting in her stalking those whom she perceives as threats to her bond with Sophie. In an attempt to help Martin, Rebecca becomes determined to learn more about this woman and why she is connected to her mother. With the assistance of her caring boyfriend Bret (Alexander DiPersia), Rebecca puts the pieces of the puzzle together. She finds medical documents, police report files in Diana’s name, and other chilling evidence that point towards the fact that Dianna’s death wasn’t as straightforward as everyone thought.
As the haunting grows more severe, Diana becomes an increasingly aggressive presence, attacking during times of darkness and sowing unrest within the house. Ultimately, Rebecca discovers that Diana only exists as long as Sophie remains mentally unstable. In order to get rid of her for good, that bond needs to be cut. In a tragic consequence, Sophie destroys Diana once and for all while sacrificing herself, giving her children an opportunity to lead a normal life.
The movie closes with Rebecca tending to Martin, who, while still bearing the brunt of trauma from their experiences, has finally reached a state of calm. The ending is bittersweet: there is no longer a Diana, but the personal sacrifice it took to reach that point is immense.
Cast & Crew:
Rebecca is played by Teresa Palmer. She gives a rousing performance as the leading role, setting an emotionally taut, deeply vulnerable, yet tough character. From a distant elder sister to a protective figure, the character arc is commendably well performed and just as compelling.
Maria Bello as Sophie: Bello’s layered performance as a depressed woman battling schizophrenia due to supernatural influence is both haunting and terrifying. Sophie is, without a doubt, pitiable, but belly evokes fear in the audience as well.
Gabriel Bateman as Martin: Martin’s role as the younger brother is emotionally compelling. His convincing fear and vulnerability helps the audience engage with the horror.
Alexander DiPersia as Bret: Bret offers some light comedic moments and is not just the typical boyfriend. He is loyal and brave, which adds depth to the story, and his relationship with Rebecca helps relieve the tension in the movie.
Billy Burke as Paul (cameo): Paul, Rebecca’s stepfather, has a cameo at the beginning of the movie where he is shown as the first victim of Diana’s wrath in the storyline.
Directed by David F. Sandberg: Lights Out was Sandberg’s first full length feature film, a follow up to his acclaimed 2013 short film. His direction is tight and atmospheric, favoring psychological tension over gore.
Produced by James Wan, Lawrence Grey, and Eric Heisserer: James Wan, who directed The Conjuring and Insidious, brings his horror pedigree to the film where he ensures high production value and effective scares.
Written by Eric Heisserer: The screenplay slightly alters the premise of the original short film to give it more emotional weight and backstory while keeping the horror aspects in place.
Cinematic Reception of Lights Out – IMDb Ratings and Reviews:
Lights Out has a rating of 6.3/10 on IMDb, signifying good reviews from both critics and the general public. The film received accolades for its eccentric idea along side superb performances and creation of suspense. Unlike a majority of modern horror movies, Lights Out did not depend on excessive atmosphere and psychological tension.
Critics pointed out that the lighting terrified in the movie worked as a narrative tool. The unsettling thought of the monster only existing in darkness made every bulb that flickered or failed to brighten a power source emanate an ambiance of fear. The use of practical flash lights, UV lights, and black out effects was superb.
The film’s overall short 81 minute runtime proved advantageous as it allowed for a fast pace and reduced the need for filler. Some critics did argue that Diana’s mythology could have been delved into more, but the majority came to agree that the film provided a satisfactory horror experience.
Maria Bello was often noted for her impressive performance, with many applauding her focus on the mental illness aspect as a personal struggle intertwined with weakness. Similarly, Teresa Palmer was praised for her emotionally and physically strong performance throughout the film.
The film’s success at the box office, grossing over $148 million internationally against a $4.9 million budget, speaks for itself. Unlike other horror films, it managed to strike a chord with the viewers as a tale of family, trauma, and sacrifice.
Conclusion:
Lights Out is a contemporary horror masterpiece that shows how well a deeply effective movie can be made from a simple premise. Its emotional core adds depth, while the exploration of fear of the dark remains primal and universal. With powerful performances, stunning directorial atmosphere, and a terrifying villain, Lights Out is among the best horror films of the 2010’s. It proves that sometimes, the most frightening events happen when the lights go out.
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