What if there was a way to see your loved one again? To be able to hold them in your arms and tell them you love them? How far would you go to get them back? On April 28th 2023, Shudder and AMC+ showed the world exactly how far some would go in the new film From Black.
For hundreds of years there have been countless cults and Satanists in the world. Many of these cults/Satanists still practice to this day; even going as far as performing sacrificial rituals. Directed by Thomas Marchese (Innocent 2014, Fallen 2017), From Black explores one of these rituals.
The story of From Black follows Cora (Anna Camp: True Blood series, Pitch Perfect 2012), a young mother desperate from guilt after the disappearance of her son five years prior. Presented with an offer to be able to watch her son grow up and understand what happened to him, there is a price she must pay… one that so many in the world would never pay. The question is… will she pay that price?
A straightforward plot that is pretty easy to follow, From Black also visually looks great; opening up with different dreary views of marsh and backcountry. Matched with an ominous musical score, you are immediately given an on-edge feeling.
Adding to everything, the performances by the entire cast are quite good. The cast stick to their roles and really prove themselves worthy of their characters. For example, Camp portrays Cora really in a very up and down emotional way because of her drug-fueled past. Detective Bray (Jennifer Lafleur: Big Little Lies 2017, Nope 2022), the golden child of the sisters, really struggles with her emotions for her former addict sister. Furthermore, the character of Abel is played by John Ales (The Nutty Professor 1996, Murder at Yellowstone City 2022) in a pretty unique fashion. Rather obscure, his character keeps you wondering what his story is.
At times nonlinear, From Black is arranged with many flashback sequences; a factor which some might find hard to follow. However, this approach keeps you interested. Which leads us to the actual imagery of the film, which is extremely dark. Quite unsettling, the tone is melancholy and sinister at best.
Overall, Marchese brings you a really interesting terrifying Horror film. Letting the film breath, he establishes the traumatic scenes with an atmosphere that will stick with you. All this said, it is ultimately the timeline of the storytelling that might keep some from showing interest in From Black. In the end though this does not take away from the fact that From Black should be on every Horror fan’s must watch list in 2023, and that is why Cryptic Rock gives it 5 out of 5 stars.
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