“The Dark and the Wicked” is an indie film that carries high praise in the horror community. The 2020 picture was written and directed by Bryan Bertino (“The Strangers”) and premiered at the Fantasia International Film Festival.
It continues the modern trend of turning a horror movie into a horror film. Bertino delivers excellent style and cinematography. It was interesting to read that filming took place at an actual Texas farm that is owned by his parents. One watching will easily spot the influence movies like “Hereditary”, “The Babadook,” and “It Follows” had on this production.
Not a Horror Movie – a Horror Film
Siblings Louise (Marin Ireland) and Michael (Michael Abbott Jr) return to their family farm to help care for their mother and bedridden father. Right from the creepy open, we know something is off. And the siblings are in for a terrifying surprise.
“The Dark and the Wicked” is a standard haunted house/possession type tale. Marin Ireland serves as the lead and is excellent here as she portrays Louise – a typical outdoorsy woman who smokes cigarettes and looks at home in a pair of dirty dungarees.
Ireland has the most appeal of the characters. She runs the range of tough, caring, terrified – all the emotions we would expect from a horror film central character. Michael Abbott Jr is fine as the secondary sibling. The iconic Xander Berkeley is thoroughly scary in a minimal role.
Visually Appealing
Bryan Bertino gives us a film that’s well presented and visually appealing. Colors are dull. The style feels amateurish, but in a good way. Placards indicating the days of the week divide segments in a way reminiscent of “The Shining.” There are gorgeous shots of the countryside.
The scary parts do their part. Several times I jumped in my seat and often found eyes wandering away from the screen to avoid seeing something chilling. An old country farmhouse is ripe for a horror setting. Even the scorching ring of a wall phone will make you squeamish.
Bryan Bertino doesn’t shy away from brutal imagery, and the film should include a self-harm trigger warning. At 95 minutes, it’s a perfect length. You won’t want more, but you won’t get bored either.
“The Dark and the Wicked” is a good, solid horror film. It won’t win any records. It won’t be your new favorite. One viewing is enough, but as the air starts to get cooler, toss this one in if you haven’t seen it.
“The Dark and the Wicked” can be rented on Amazon
