In wrestling, a ‘dark match’ refers to a bout that takes place off-camera, often used to test new talent or energize the crowd before the main event. Dark Match, the latest Horror Thriller from Director Lowell Dean (Wolf Cop 2014, Die Alone 2024), takes this concept to a terrifying new level.
Available through Shudder on January 31, 2025, Dark Match follows a small-time wrestling crew who accept a high-paying gig in a remote town, only to uncover the chilling truth about its cult-like leader – turning their match into a desperate fight for survival. The film brings together a stellar ensemble cast, including Ayisha Issa (Polar 2019, Transplant series) as the fiery Miss Behave, Steven Ogg (The Walking Dead series, Emancipation 2022) as the grizzled Joe Lean, Jonathan Cherry (Final Destination 2 2003, Goon 2011) as Rusty the unethical team manager, and WWE Legend Chris Jericho (Country Hearts Christmas 2023, Terrifer 3 2024) as the enigmatic Prophet.
The film’s cinematography stands out for its creative use of color. Many scenes are tinted with a single hue, effectively enhancing the mood and atmosphere of each moment. This technique also adds depth and visual intrigue, making small or plain spaces feel larger and more dynamic. It is a clever approach that not only compensates for the film’s modest budget but also creates a visually striking experience that feels more expansive and immersive. Complementing the stunning visuals is the film’s vibrant soundtrack, which channels the energy of the 1970s and 1980s. The music amplifies the nostalgic tone and adds a fun, retro vibe that transports viewers to another era, perfectly balancing the tension and thrills of the story.
The pacing of Dark Match is brisk, swiftly transitioning from a brief introduction to the wrestling team into the journey to the dark match. The fast pace ensures there’s never a dull moment, and the audience does not get much character development to connect with the characters. While there’s an inherent reason to root for the ‘away team,’ Dark Match only establishes a meaningful emotional connection with Miss Behave and Joe Lean, whose relationship is established but not deeply explored.
The film would also have benefited from spending more time developing its broader ensemble, allowing the audience to invest in the stakes of the match beyond just the two key characters. That said, Issa and Ogg’s performances as the story’s protagonists are compelling, and viewers will find themselves rooting for their relationship despite its ultimately dysfunctional nature. Their complex bond adds depth to the narrative, even if the film doesn’t fully delve into its nuances.
Having Chris Jericho play the leader of the cult is a fun and intriguing addition to the cast, and for WWE fans, it is an especially exciting surprise. While Jericho’s portrayal of the Prophet is certainly menacing, there is a certain element missing in the story that prevents the character from becoming truly terrifying. Despite the film’s graphic gore, it lacks the atmospheric tension that would elevate the Horror elements and make the stakes feel genuinely unsettling.
The Prophet’s villainy feels more theatrical than genuinely terrifying, which may be a nod to the over-the-top nature of WWE itself. While the film delivers plenty of gore, it struggles to generate the kind of suspense and dread necessary to create a lasting impact on the audience. The lack of tension ultimately undercuts the potential for the Prophet to be a truly memorable and fearsome antagonist.
Dark Match eventually delivers an ending designed to evoke scares (and credit is due to the ‘monster’ team for their work), but the payoff falls flat. The film ends ambiguously at the exact moment when the audience anticipates a dramatic resolution, leaving the buildup feeling unfulfilled and the tension unresolved. Dark Match is visually striking, with a unique aesthetic that draws the audience into its world, and it certainly has the foundation of a thrilling Horror Adventure.
However, while Dark Match introduces intriguing concepts, it rushes through them, preventing the audience from fully engaging with the potential of its story and characters. If it had taken more time to explore and build upon these ideas, it could have transformed into a much more satisfying and memorable experience. If there was a director’s cut of this film, it would certainly be an intriguing proposition to see what was cut. That is why Cryptic Rock gives Dark Match 2.5 out of 5 stars.
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