Starring: Anna Bullard, Annie Hamilton, Rory Alexander
Directed by: Alex Herron
I certainly love a good revenge story – you know the ones where someone has been irreparably wronged, harmed or even killed, and that person’s loved one takes all accountability in order to return the favor, no matter what the casualty may be? The only thing I ask for with said presentation is that you don’t leave me hanging like a piece of meat in the slaughterhouse…I need closure, dammit! Enter Director Alex Herron’s latest, DARK WINDOWS into the viewing parlor – it’s got vindication and condemnation written all over it…now can it pull it all together during its runtime?
The film follows a trio of friends (Alexander, Bullard & Anderson), who are mourning the loss of one of their own, needlessly killed in a drunk-driving accident (a collective act by the three grieving pals, nonetheless). After the funeral, the three decide that the best way to separate themselves from the pain is to hole up in a summer house far out of the way, and it’s clear that the trio isn’t exactly at ease with each others disposition following the fatal accident, but they’re willing to let things be. The person who won’t let things be however is a mysteriously masked individual who starts to stalk the group, playing audio clips of their deceased bestie, and basically unraveling their already frayed psyches.
The formula here is a simplistic one, but it definitely packs a punch once it lands – with a slow, plodding pace we’re forced to look inside the remaining three friends and get a peek at their inner workings…then they begin to break down and the true reveal enters the room. I only found two downsides to this production, and unfortunately they were both fairly damning. First, if you’re TRULY paying attention you’ll be able to figure out the antagonist in a short span, and secondly the end of the film literally left me flat – sure there was a demonstrated conclusion, but it just blew out the window…over & done. I honestly patiently waited through the credits to see if there was an add-on of some sort, but sadly there wasn’t.
Now I’m not trying to dissuade anyone from checking out DARK WINDOWS – in fact, it’s a very well put-together 80 minute display that should entertain those looking for a little “eye for an eye” with their gloomy thriller.
The film releases in select theaters & On Demand services on August 18th.
At the tender age of 6, Matt was indoctrinated into the horror genre by his mother, who asked him to sit down and watch "The Exorcist" with her - ever since then, it's been a blood-soaked, neon-lit, fever dream of an existence. "You don't make horror...horror makes you."
(Can't remember who came up with this quote, but he was probably off-kilter like I am).
