Darkness Wakes is a supernatural horror-thriller movie from 2017 that tells the story of three people trapped in an isolated mansion, haunted by an evil presence. The movie stars Aisling Knight, Richard Kilgour, and Nick Bridge-Butler in the lead roles. The movie begins with a group of friends - Alex, Derek, and Nikki - arriving at an old mansion. Alex's grandfather has recently passed away, leaving the mansion to him. The three friends have decided to spend the weekend in the mansion, exploring and trying to uncover any secrets that the old man might have left behind. However, they quickly realize that something is not right with the mansion - strange noises, shadows, and events start happening.
As they explore further, they stumble upon a hidden room in the mansion, and discover an old manuscript. The manuscript tells the tale of a satanic cult that had used the mansion in the past for their rituals. The manuscript reveals that the cult had summoned an ancient evil spirit, which had possessed the mansion and all those who had stayed there. Alex, Derek, and Nikki initially dismiss the manuscript as a mere fantasy, but soon they realize that there might be some truth to it.
As night falls, the evil presence in the mansion starts to grow stronger, and the three friends find themselves trapped in a horrific nightmare. The evil spirit begins to possess and manipulate them, causing them to turn on each other. The friends must fight for their lives as they try to find a way out of the mansion before it's too late.
The movie builds up the tension slowly but surely, with eerie music and jump scares that keep the viewers on the edge of their seats. The characters are well-developed, with their own distinct personalities, quirks, and flaws. The actors deliver solid performances, giving life to their characters.
Darkness Wakes is well-directed by Simon Richardson, who manages to create a sense of dread and claustrophobia with the limited space of the mansion. The movie effectively uses practical effects and makeup to create some terrifying visuals. The cinematography is also impressive, with the camera capturing the eerie atmosphere and the mansion's labyrinthine interiors.
The movie's storyline is not wholly original, but it is executed well, with plenty of suspense and surprises. The screenplay, written by Jonny Grant, is effective in building up the tension and making the viewers invested in the characters' fates.
Overall, Darkness Wakes is a well-crafted horror movie that delivers the scares and thrills. It is not for the faint-hearted, as it contains some graphic violence and gore. However, for fans of the horror genre, it is definitely worth checking out. The movie's ending leaves enough room for interpretation and speculation, leaving the viewers to draw their conclusions about the fate of the characters.
