Just came out of the premiere in L'Etrange film festival, in Paris. The theater was full, promising plot, expectations high up. Yet, what a disappointment. I admit it is about an experimental thriller, and budget is rather tight, but at least you expect some sort of coherence in the story. The film is almost unspoken, so that the soundtrack takes over as a role play, although even the music is out of swing, off line. Plenty of details impossible to believe, like the tempos underwater without oxygen, long staying in freezing waters eyes wide open and yet no sign of damage or deep frozen fingers that can get cured miraculously overnight...film concept though is good, yet bad resolved. Just as well its 75 minutes length made it easier to go through.
12 Reviews
strange movie
lynnbarr-721288 September 2017
Warning: Spoilers
A film without dialogue, i don't know what the producer was trying to achieve it could have so much better as a talkie, the story line was quite good and the actors did a descent job but the lack of verbal chatter was off-putting, the music score was OK, but at times it seemed like stepping back in time to the golden silent era of movie making especially scenes with the victim and her mother, it had a descent ending but as a talkie it would have been great
Below the surface
TheLittleSongbird1 August 2018
Was really intrigued by the premise, which was one of the better, more interesting and more creative premises of any modest/low budget films seen recently, and with appreciation for the genre. Was also a bit apprehensive with the low rating and some less than enthusiastic reviews, which from personal experience watching modest/low-budget horror films recently have not been a good sign and most were poorly executed.
The good news is that 'The Dark Below' fared better than expected and as far as recent low-budget viewings go it is one of the better ones. Coming from somebody who seen a lot of weak or less films lately, that is saying a fair bit. 'The Dark Below' is far from a great film, or even a good one, but is watchable and not a complete waste of great potential. Some good things, also some bad things that will be outlined in the rest of the review.
Lets start with the positives. 'The Dark Below' looks quite good, nicely photographed with an atmospheric setting and lighting and editing that is at least coherent and not too cheap. The score doesn't quite fit admittedly, but as music in its own right it does have an unsettling creepiness that one wishes was matched by the story and atmosphere.
A few creepy moments, the film is not incoherent and the acting is better than average and make the most with what they're given. That the film is nearly wordless excepting three words was not really a hindrance.
Sadly, 'The Dark Below' is let down by that it has a creative premise yet executes it rather ordinarily and with not enough impact. There aren't enough scares, tension or suspense (the latter two only appearing in spurts), and not enough thrills. Down to too much of the story being nonsensical with a lot of silly, contrived and illogical moments and confusing and frustrating decision making that makes one endear to the characters even less.
Character development is sketchy at best and too much of the pacing is leaden. Some of the sound is obvious and the direction tends to be merely workmanlike and never more than that.
On the whole, better than expected but not a film recommended highly by me. 5/10 Bethany Cox
The good news is that 'The Dark Below' fared better than expected and as far as recent low-budget viewings go it is one of the better ones. Coming from somebody who seen a lot of weak or less films lately, that is saying a fair bit. 'The Dark Below' is far from a great film, or even a good one, but is watchable and not a complete waste of great potential. Some good things, also some bad things that will be outlined in the rest of the review.
Lets start with the positives. 'The Dark Below' looks quite good, nicely photographed with an atmospheric setting and lighting and editing that is at least coherent and not too cheap. The score doesn't quite fit admittedly, but as music in its own right it does have an unsettling creepiness that one wishes was matched by the story and atmosphere.
A few creepy moments, the film is not incoherent and the acting is better than average and make the most with what they're given. That the film is nearly wordless excepting three words was not really a hindrance.
Sadly, 'The Dark Below' is let down by that it has a creative premise yet executes it rather ordinarily and with not enough impact. There aren't enough scares, tension or suspense (the latter two only appearing in spurts), and not enough thrills. Down to too much of the story being nonsensical with a lot of silly, contrived and illogical moments and confusing and frustrating decision making that makes one endear to the characters even less.
Character development is sketchy at best and too much of the pacing is leaden. Some of the sound is obvious and the direction tends to be merely workmanlike and never more than that.
On the whole, better than expected but not a film recommended highly by me. 5/10 Bethany Cox
The Slow Dark Crawl Below Expectations
samhain648192 September 2019
Warning: Spoilers
No context given before we just jump into a slow slushy mess of a production. I am fine with breaking convention but this is just trash. The whole movie is one woman slowly dying of hypothermia as she's forced under the ice by her husband and has flashback that take up nearly half of the film. The pacing is so slow that Jack Torrance should break down the editor's door just to say "My miniseries felt shorter than this garbage! Let me show you how a real psychopath gets things done!" A 2 minute slow mo shot of a guy walking to the camera was the first sign I was in trouble on this watch. The movie is just padding and a few moments of story development. Not that the characters develop AT ALL, such a large portion of time passes through the flashbacks but there is no indication of the characters maturing or changing. The husband is the worst because he just becomes a crazed maniac with no explanation or progression.
People are overrating the mess out of this flick. It is not worth your time. You are better than this!
People are overrating the mess out of this flick. It is not worth your time. You are better than this!
Brief, but terrible, film.
jmix6620 June 2017
Where to start? This resembles a bad television film more so than an actual feature. Thin plot, weak characterizations, no explanation of the characters motivations and minimal exposition.Toward the end of the film you start to realize what is occurring; however, by that point, you just don't care.
Basically for nearly 90 minutes you watch characters who don't care about do things that don't make much sense. Coupled with the near total lack of logic in the plot, this film is like watching a documentary about a subject for which you have no interest.
Bad film that can easily missed.
Basically for nearly 90 minutes you watch characters who don't care about do things that don't make much sense. Coupled with the near total lack of logic in the plot, this film is like watching a documentary about a subject for which you have no interest.
Bad film that can easily missed.
Pure Crap
hcminc30 November 2017
Warning: Spoilers
This movie was pure CRAP!!! If you are in a tussle with a serial killer, you aren't going to be silent. If you find evidence of the serial killer's, you are not going to be silent. If your daughter wakes up from a coma, you aren't going to be silent. Pure crap!!! Would have been a little better if it had dialogue.
Cool, Wordless, Survival Film
StTerence22 June 2017
Overall an excellent film for the survival genre. If you liked "Buried" or "127 Hours" then this film is probably right up your alley. The cinematography is beautiful and the score fantastic. There is a lot of use of slow motion which can be frustrating but it's generally used for an artistic purpose. Much of the film feels like a memory because of that and the cinematography. It's not a perfect film and there's a thing or two I would've done differently but I enjoyed watching and would watch it again.
Chilling New Thriller
stevelarson-4402929 August 2015
WOW. Was privileged enough to see this unique gem at Fantasia International Film Festival. Along with Turbo Kid this was my favorite film of the entire festival. I have been a fan of Doug Schulze's work since the film Mimesis and was really looking forward to this. The film did not disappoint. It's a surreal dream like story of a woman trying to survive the night being trapped beneath ice. If you're claustrophobic or have a fear of water you might want to avoid. But what's so amazing about the film is that there is no dialogue in the entire feature. You heard me. Just three spoken words right at the beginning. And I didn't even notice it until the lights came up and someone told me. The film is strikingly visual, well acted and non-stop suspense. In a day of tired formulaic movies this is very unique. Rush out to see it.
Original and Innovative
gavin694214 March 2017
A woman (Lauren Mae Shafer) struggles for survival beneath a frozen lake while a metrosexual killer (David G. B. Brown) stalks her from the surface and we slowly find out they are not strangers.
The mad genius behind this film is writer-producer-director Douglas Schulze, who has been a rising force in the world of indie horror. But although we tend to associate a film mostly with the director, Jonathan D'Ambrosio really deserves as much credit for "Dark Below", with his serving as co-writer, editor and art / production design. His fingerprints are all over this one.
The film has a slim cast, with the most notable name being Veronica Cartwright. The lead, Lauren Mae Shafer, may be building a reputation among horror fans with her roles in "Mimesis" (also from Douglas Schulze and co-starring Brown) and "Secrets in the Walls". A few others show up in flashbacks, but are really unimportant. Shafer virtually carries the entire film on her shoulders.
The creators make a very bold decision going for the complete lack of dialogue, which makes it almost like watching a symphony rather than a film – this, in turn, makes it very much a showcase for composer David Bateman. The modern silent film, as well as the plot of using a woman's expert swimming abilities against her, are absolutely original. Originality is rare in any genre, but especially in horror. (Can we stop making zombie movies yet?)
If any criticism could be thrown at the film, it would be to ask: did it need to be feature-length? Already very short by feature standards, it could have been a longer short film just as effectively. I suppose for marketing purposes, you would prefer to have the feature. Few theaters, at least outside of festivals, screen short films. (Maybe they should.)
All in all, an original and innovative film. It may not appeal to all audiences, but those who want to see something different and who have a little patience (this is not a bloody slasher film) will be rewarded.
The mad genius behind this film is writer-producer-director Douglas Schulze, who has been a rising force in the world of indie horror. But although we tend to associate a film mostly with the director, Jonathan D'Ambrosio really deserves as much credit for "Dark Below", with his serving as co-writer, editor and art / production design. His fingerprints are all over this one.
The film has a slim cast, with the most notable name being Veronica Cartwright. The lead, Lauren Mae Shafer, may be building a reputation among horror fans with her roles in "Mimesis" (also from Douglas Schulze and co-starring Brown) and "Secrets in the Walls". A few others show up in flashbacks, but are really unimportant. Shafer virtually carries the entire film on her shoulders.
The creators make a very bold decision going for the complete lack of dialogue, which makes it almost like watching a symphony rather than a film – this, in turn, makes it very much a showcase for composer David Bateman. The modern silent film, as well as the plot of using a woman's expert swimming abilities against her, are absolutely original. Originality is rare in any genre, but especially in horror. (Can we stop making zombie movies yet?)
If any criticism could be thrown at the film, it would be to ask: did it need to be feature-length? Already very short by feature standards, it could have been a longer short film just as effectively. I suppose for marketing purposes, you would prefer to have the feature. Few theaters, at least outside of festivals, screen short films. (Maybe they should.)
All in all, an original and innovative film. It may not appeal to all audiences, but those who want to see something different and who have a little patience (this is not a bloody slasher film) will be rewarded.
Worth Your Time
maglanpro-2821515 May 2019
Extremely clever (and entertaining) thriller. Almost dialogue free but in no way does that come off as a "gimmick" but rather some how adds to the tension and terror. Should be required viewing for all independent filmmakers.
If You Can't Handle Tight, Dark Spaces, Don't Watch This!
areneehunt3 August 2017
There's a frigid game of cat and mouse that takes place, as you're introduced to a woman assaulted by a dangerous man. He's cold, uncaring and very methodical about his process, but it's what you're shown that makes the movie gripping. Without any words, other than three whispered in the very beginning, you are taken through every step that lead up to the attack.
Douglas Schulze took an idea and made it a musical masterpiece. Through images and score, The Dark Below reveals a history of secrets, lies and a precarious obsession with water. You endure a voyeuristic fight for the heroine's life, while also finding yourself struck dumb, yet fascinated!.
There was but one issue held with the movie and it has to do with icy waters. Sadly, details can't be provided without giving away spoilers, and that's not what I do. Just know that what is done cannot be undone, no matter how great the medical science.
The movie is alluring, the story is fabulous and the thrills are very cool! (pun intended) The Dark Below releases later this year. Be sure to see it!
Douglas Schulze took an idea and made it a musical masterpiece. Through images and score, The Dark Below reveals a history of secrets, lies and a precarious obsession with water. You endure a voyeuristic fight for the heroine's life, while also finding yourself struck dumb, yet fascinated!.
There was but one issue held with the movie and it has to do with icy waters. Sadly, details can't be provided without giving away spoilers, and that's not what I do. Just know that what is done cannot be undone, no matter how great the medical science.
The movie is alluring, the story is fabulous and the thrills are very cool! (pun intended) The Dark Below releases later this year. Be sure to see it!
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