After the deaths of several children believed killed by wolves in a remote Alaskan town, one mother hires writer Russell Core to locate the body of her son. As the two develop an unusual relationship, her husband returns from the Iraq War and sets off on a violent rampage upon learning of his son's death.
Beckam Crawford (Bailey), Riley Keough (Medora), Jeffrey Wright (Core), Alexander Skarsgard (Vernon), Julian Antelope (Cheeon), Jonathan Whitesell (Arnie), Savonna Spracklin (Susan), Sean Hoy (Deputy).
Hold the Dark is a nightmare, both as a story and as a film. The storyline launches well enough but before long takes a nosedive, losing audience interest along the way. Strangely, there are several bits setup quite nicely that just never develop. We are left with a convoluted mess that does little to answer any of the confusing questions which it has posed.
Acting was tepid for the most part. Wright felt flat, and almost lifeless through much of the film. Keough brought in a different element of dark strangeness that made little sense. Skarsgard, in possibly the most logical role in the film, also felt quite dark and lacking soul, as did most of the remainder of the cast.
Camera work, with plenty of dark scenes, was a challenge at times. Sets and backgrounds felt very natural but again, lighting made this one tough. Dialogue was thin and lacking depth to help us understand the film. Sound and soundtrack were ominous and appropriate.
Overall this one is a miss. The storyline has some interesting bits that look like they could develop into something, but never do. In the end, we are left wondering what this film was trying to convey and realize as long as it is over, it doesn't matter.
Those who enjoy unusual mysteries that leave plenty of unanswered questions should enjoy this one. Those wanting coherence or dialogue with depth should probably pass on this one.
With some nudity, violence, gore, foul language, and disturbing images, save this one for older teens and above.
Released: 2018
Reviewed: 11.1.18
Star rating: 1 out of 5
Genre: Drama, Thriller, Mystery, Adventure, Horror
copyright ©2018 Dave Riedel
Beckam Crawford (Bailey), Riley Keough (Medora), Jeffrey Wright (Core), Alexander Skarsgard (Vernon), Julian Antelope (Cheeon), Jonathan Whitesell (Arnie), Savonna Spracklin (Susan), Sean Hoy (Deputy).
Hold the Dark is a nightmare, both as a story and as a film. The storyline launches well enough but before long takes a nosedive, losing audience interest along the way. Strangely, there are several bits setup quite nicely that just never develop. We are left with a convoluted mess that does little to answer any of the confusing questions which it has posed.
Acting was tepid for the most part. Wright felt flat, and almost lifeless through much of the film. Keough brought in a different element of dark strangeness that made little sense. Skarsgard, in possibly the most logical role in the film, also felt quite dark and lacking soul, as did most of the remainder of the cast.
Camera work, with plenty of dark scenes, was a challenge at times. Sets and backgrounds felt very natural but again, lighting made this one tough. Dialogue was thin and lacking depth to help us understand the film. Sound and soundtrack were ominous and appropriate.
Overall this one is a miss. The storyline has some interesting bits that look like they could develop into something, but never do. In the end, we are left wondering what this film was trying to convey and realize as long as it is over, it doesn't matter.
Those who enjoy unusual mysteries that leave plenty of unanswered questions should enjoy this one. Those wanting coherence or dialogue with depth should probably pass on this one.
With some nudity, violence, gore, foul language, and disturbing images, save this one for older teens and above.
Released: 2018
Reviewed: 11.1.18
Star rating: 1 out of 5
Genre: Drama, Thriller, Mystery, Adventure, Horror
copyright ©2018 Dave Riedel
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