A young boy comes to fear that his blind mother may become the next victim of a serial killer in this complex psychological thriller. Unfolding at first as a traditional suspense tale, the film follows the terrified boy's attempts to determine the killer's identity, a task his policeman father has failed to achieve. Things take a more provocative and puzzling turn when the boy's penchant for fantasy is revealed, forcing the audience to question whether what has been shown has been real or merely a product of the boy's imagination. As a result, much of the anxiety in Afraid of the Dark emerges not from the violent shocks, but from the uncertain reality and the tantalizing, disturbing hints of the child's psychology. This purposeful ambiguity may strike some viewers as confusing and alienating, despite the film's assured performances and striking imagery. ~ Judd Blaise, All Movie Guide
Review by All Movie Guide
All Movie Guide
lost interest.
A film that is likely to divide people along pretty rigid lines, Afraid of the Dark at least deserves credit for trying to be something different. That won't be enough for many, who will find it much too slow, incredibly confusing and ultimately unsatisfying. But for those who "get" the film,
Dark will be a very rewarding experience.
Dark is set up to frustrate most of the audience; starting out as one kind of very familiar (and chillingly effective) thriller, it abruptly switches gears entirely in the middle and becomes a psychological study of a very different sort. Those who can deal with this change will find
Dark a fascinating study, not only of a young boy in the throes of a difficult psychological situation but of the art of filmmaking itself. Ideas about identity, character, truth, reality and motivation are shaken and questioned in what some will find an absorbing manner. These same people will also probably appreciate a degree of artificiality in portions of the performances and of underplaying by the young lead actor, an appreciation that will not be shared by detractors. Enigmatic and disturbing,
Dark is not for everyone, but will be embraced enthusiastically by those with whom it does resonate. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide