by In Out of Darkness, much like the trials of life, there is scant hope for salvation when confronting the terrors of the Stone Age on your own. The notion of escaping danger by abandoning others rather than standing united is futile against the pervasive darkness that inevitably engulfs all. Directed by Andrew Cumming in his debut feature and scripted by Ruth Greenberg, the film requires some subtlety in its storytelling, with the final act bringing a significant uplift to the narrative, enhancing much of what preceded it.
Out of Darkness (2024)
Rated: R
Genres: Horror, Thriller
Release Date: February 9, 2024
Director: Andrew Cumming
Cast: Chuku Modu, Kit Young, Safia Oakley-Green, Iola Evans
Duration: 87 minutes
Though not groundbreaking in its approach, Out of Darkness revolves around the fear of the unknown. The film often feels as though it’s meandering through its plot, yet it explores some compelling themes. Despite its flaws, it manages to deliver a substantial impact as it reaches its dark conclusion.
Synopsis of ‘Out of Darkness’
Taking place 45,000 years ago, the film opens with a narrative shared around a campfire. We meet a group of six travelers—Beyah (Safia Oakley-Green), Adem (Chuku Modu), Geirr (Kit Young), Ave (Iola Evans), Odal (Arno Lüning), and Heron (Luna Mwezi)—who have arrived in an unfamiliar territory (filmed in Scotland) with hopes of finding a safe haven. They communicate in a fictional language crafted by Dr. Daniel Andersson, which the actors use convincingly.
However, their attempt to survive becomes increasingly challenging. Besides grappling with shortages of food and shelter, they sense an ominous entity lurking in the darkness. Is it a stealthy monster or a malevolent spirit? The exact nature of the threat is unclear, leading the group to face mounting fears as they struggle to endure in a harsh environment. When a member disappears during the night, they venture to track down the mysterious being, unaware of the full extent of the peril they might encounter.
Without revealing too much about the entity, it becomes evident that the early humans might be as dangerous as the lurking threat. Early in the film, a troubling moment exposes the leader’s selfish intentions, casting doubt on their true motives. Although the historical setup feels somewhat awkward, especially the initial campfire scene aimed at establishing character dynamics, the more unsettling revelations largely work. The film, just under ninety minutes long, occasionally feels stretched due to repetitive elements—characters running, disorienting shots, brief pauses, and then repeating the cycle.
There are some creatively engaging moments, such as a scene where a character desperately tries to start a fire as darkness closes in. Although this scene uses a “day for night” technique that slightly undermines the fear, the lighting in dark scenes is well-executed. A striking practical gore effect provides a brief highlight within an otherwise basic narrative. The film’s strong finale, however, provides a much-needed lift.
‘Out of Darkness’ Concludes Strongly
As the story moves out of the forest, the title gains a deeper significance, revealing that the darkness symbolizes not just physical absence but also ignorance threatening the group. The full extent of their lack of understanding is left unsaid, but it’s clear there was more happening than initially apparent. Once the pieces fall into place and the encounters with the entity are reexamined, the film gains a more existentially tragic dimension. Despite being hampered by some earlier aimless scenes, Out of Darkness ultimately brings its scattered elements into a hauntingly clear focus, achieving a compelling conclusion.
