The Dark and the Wicked (2020)

After receiving news that their father was dying, two estranged kids gather at their parents’ remote farm to comfort him, but a sinister entity is lurking in the shadows for all of them.

From the opening sequence, the scent of the independent film forewarns that the absence of a “formula” will fill you with dread of unknown origin and unknown for everyone involved consequences. Marin Ireland and Michael Abbott Jr. make an excellent duo in front of the camera, and Ireland, especially, gives a breathtaking performance. Speaking of breathtaking, Xander Berkeley is absolutely terrifying! That role was him! He is a massively underrated actor, so I’m very glad he was afforded this opportunity.

As for the narrative, it is very restricted. The editing very meticulously unfolds the plot’s mysterious and horrifying elements, constantly making you wonder what the paranormal threat is and what it wants. Is it the devil? Is it a demon (with some vampire qualities)? Far-fetched, I know, but pay attention to how it stands on the front door before asking for permission. Try to think why it has targeted the family and anyone contacting them. If you want some answers, you might find them in Louise’s phone call to the priest – even though that will probably raise more questions.

Bryan Bertino, the man behind The Strangers (2008) and The Monster (2016), produces, writes and directs something between these two films: something between malevolent, external forces that subliminally manipulate our fears and the chaotic, internal abyss of the human mind that can prove more sinister than anything… non-human. I have never been a huge fan of jump scares, but Bertino uses them quite wisely here, as there are other sequences where no music or sound effects are needed, just the visuals. Such sequences include (spoilers free), but are not limited to:

• The carrot chopping.
• The “hanged-in-the-barn” dolly out.
• The priest at night.
• The girl’s visit.
• The nurse losing it.
• The home arrival.

After everything is said and done, and the end credits start scrolling, among the rest of the questions you will definitely have, ask yourselves this: Who is the dark and who’s the wicked?

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Solidarity for all the innocent lives who suffer the atrocities of war!

Stay safe!