![]() It is clear then that Swedish-born Sandberg is still perfecting the process of large-scale filmmaking. It is these directors that seem to produce the most exciting new content, with the power of their passion inevitably resulting in a movie bursting at the seams with low-budget heart and charm. Both directors come from a DIY background, with Sandberg uploading early short films made with his wife using household items to YouTube and Raimi leaving school to gather sufficient funds to realise his own unwaveringly strong artistic vision. In this regard, Lights Out harkens back to a time of simple horror, exuberating a similar energy to cult classics such as The Evil Dead, also a directorial debut from juggernaut director Sam Raimi, who went on to direct the Spider-Man trilogy. The simple premise can promote a focus on scares and imagery yet does so at the expense of a more compelling and complex narrative. The simplicity is both a strength and a weakness here. Its screenplay is effective, but undoubtedly simple when compared to the modern ethereal horror of Ari Aster and Jordan Peele. The dialogue is believable and natural, rarely feeling stilted, and exposition is held at a necessary minimum, keeping the audience engaged throughout. Yet here, in a surprising twist, the characters form the heart of the movie.Īgainst all odds, the complicated relationship between the mother and grown-up daughter provides ample dramatic tension and adds an extra element to the story as we head into the third act of the film. This seems like it should go without saying, but it is an aspect of filmmaking that many studio-driven horror movies have seemed to sacrifice in return for cheap thrills. If this is the case, the movie is less likely to resonate with audiences. Unfortunately, an increasingly common trope associated with recent horror movies is that the characters are written in a flat, one-dimensional manner. Perhaps I am more forgiving of the reliance on jump scares because, unlike many recent horror ventures, I was surprisingly invested in the protagonists. It is undoubtedly true that jump scares are used here, but in a far less egregious manner than most. Yet leaning on them as a cinematic crutch can lead to an interruption of the flow of a film, even promoting a sense of predictability as audiences begin to see the pattern if used without restraint. When utilised sparingly, jump scares undoubtedly illicit a shock from the audience. However, even Sandberg has admitted to an overreliance on jump scares. Each scene feels meticulously edited for maximum effect, keeping momentum through expositional conversations whilst looking to draw out tense moments for an almost excruciating period. This shortened runtime only further adds to the expertly crafted feeling of dread and claustrophobia that is impressively maintained throughout. The film is a tight 81-minute package, paced briskly, but never so fast that the audience is unaware of the significance of the events unfolding on screen.Įach scene feels meticulously edited for maximum effect, keeping momentum through expositional conversations ![]() The original idea leads to a number of interesting visuals and Sandberg ultimately delivers on the promise of the premise. A meagre sum in modern day Hollywood, but coming from a visual effects and animation background, along with his DIY experience, Sandberg stretches out this budget to create a satisfying horror experience. Horror legend James Wan and financing company New Line Cinema gave Sandberg the opportunity to bring a feature length vision of his short film to life for $5 million. In fact, this film should give hope to all aspiring filmmakers. This original concept was the brainchild of the director, first realised in his award-winning short film of the same name. It depicts the story of a dysfunctional family looking to rid themselves of an entity that is only visible when the lights are turned off. Lights Out is a horror film directed by David F. While this description seems somewhat paradoxical, it is my hope that you understand my reasoning for this curious choice of words as the piece progresses. As Halloween approaches, it seems only fitting to talk about a horror movie that I find simultaneously chilling and inspiring.
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