Darkroom (Movie review)

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February 28, 2014

Darkroom is the newest independent horror movie from aspiring director/actress Britt Napier (Redirect 2005, Em 2008), and written by best selling author Michaelbrent Collings. Napier has been involved in the writing, production, and acting of films for nine years now. Her passion for horror films has stood strong since a young child and had this chance to direct Darkroom in her own unique vision. Released in Japan and the United Kingdom in 2013, the film finally see’s a DVD release in North America in February 2014.

: Still from Darkroom

While driving drunk after a night out, Michelle (Kaylee Defer of Red State 2011, Flicka 2006) tragically kills two of her friends and her boyfriend in a horrific car accident. Michelle is then admitted to court appointed rehabilitation and struggles to feel acceptance for what she has done. Michelle and roommate Jean (Britne Oldford of Ravenswood 2013, American Horror Story) become friends, Michelle also finds companionship in a shy Daniel (Tobias Segal of Men in Black 3 2012, Rocky Balboa 2006). Eventually Michelle cooperates, participating in her rehab thus resulting in her release from rehab after Jean. After completion, Michelle is offered a job from Doctor Rachel (Elisabeth Rohm of American Hustle 2013, One Life to Live) with the yet to be introduced ,Larry, who has reportedly worked with many of their rehabilitated patients before.

Michelle is then driven to a magnificent mansion by Daniel and greeted by Larry (Christian Campbell of Trick 1999, Reefer Madness 2005). Larry tells Michelle they are short a model for a real estate shoot and need her help. After getting changed and doing her hair, Michelle has her make-up done by a strangely familiar woman and then finds herself alone in the mansion. It soon becomes startlingly clear that she is not alone and is trapped within this mansion with an unhinged family looking to cleanse Michelle of her previous sins.

: Still from Darkroom

Initially the very first scene of Darkroom appears to be completely unrelated to the rest of the movie and the flashing backwards and forwards can be slightly confusing. Starting off relatively slow, the flow of the film moves into a quicker easy pace, combining psychological horror with an equal amount of blood and gore. The acting is very well done and all loose ends are tied up upon the films conclusion. CrypticRock give this movie 4 out of 5 stars.