The Dark and the Wicked — A farm steeped in grief and silence

Spoiler-free review.

Two siblings return to their family's farm after their mother's suicide, drawn by a sense of unresolved duty and fear. The script offers little in the way of clear motivations, leaving the characters' actions feeling hesitant rather than purposeful. Bryan Bertino builds tension through silence and isolation but never fully commits to a singular vision.

The pacing is slow, but the story doesn't build enough urgency to make the horror feel real or immediate. The farm is a strong setting, but it's not explored much beyond its spooky atmosphere. Marin Ireland does a good job showing quiet fear without overdoing it, but her character doesn't have much emotional depth to hold onto.

Michael Abbott Jr. plays his role with some vulnerability but doesn't fully convince as a strong character. Xander Berkeley brings a serious tone, but his character doesn't have much to do or connect with the audience. The dialogue often feels forced, like it's waiting for a jump scare instead of building real tension.

There are some good creepy moments that show what the film could have been. But the story doesn't follow through on its emotional promises, and the lack of direction makes the horror feel more like a missed opportunity than a real scare. The setting is interesting, but the film doesn't do enough with it to make the horror stick.

2020 · English. Film details · Poster source · Artwork © its respective rights holders.

— Desly