Director Jack Heller’s 2014 film ‘Dark Was the Night’ has now been released on DVD and is currently available on Netflix. This dark film stars ‘The Strain’ star Kevin Durand, Steve Agee (The New Girl), Nick Damici (Late Phases), Lukas Haas (Inception), Bianca Kajlich (Vanished), Ethan Khusidman (The Cobbler), Joe Pallister (Idol Hands) and Billy Paterson (Refuge), among others.
In ‘Dark Was the Night’ Durand plays the role of Sheriff Shields, a man mourning the death of one of his young sons. While separated from his wife and son the Sheriff struggles to keep it together while his small town falls under attack from an unkown creature that comes from the woods. After a logging operation begins animals and pets begin to disappear, then something leaves strange tracks through the town. The tracks are like nothing they have seen before. When hunters are attacked the Sheriff and his deputy find their bodies high up a tree adding more mystery to the creature. Things escalate from there, as the creature begins to stalk Sheriff Shields. The Sheriff must push past his grief and doubt to save the town.
First, let me say this, Kevin Durand does not disappoint. He was fantastic, as always. I truly enjoyed ‘Dark Was the Night’. The acting was great, the special effects were minimal, but well done, the script nicely written. I was impressed with the way the sense of suspense was manipulated. The creature was tied to to the land by legans, but still looked completely original, which is not easy these days, and boy was it ugly. And that ending! Just as you think it’s safe, you learn that the horror is far from over. The ending left it open for a sequel, which I would be more than happy to watch. If you are looking for blood and gore, this isn’t the film for you, but if you are looking for a film that will keep you hooked, ‘Dark Was the Night’ is perfect.
