![]() ![]() It’s the kitchen sink aesthetic and Sophia’s journey that make this such an engaging film. How Gavin transcends the possible exploitative elements is by losing the facade of horror and fear by avoiding tropes like exorcisms and possession. In another universe this would be a Ti West movie with a faux documentary style and forgettable characters. It’s only when her true motivations are revealed that the ritual begins to intensify with unexpected results. Breakthroughs occur that only bring out the skeptic in Sophia. Through the days of rigorous physical and emotional stress Sophia and Solomon test each other’s limits within the confines of the house. Everything from a carload of groceries to printing pages of medieval text from the internet show that this isn’t some romanticized version of a Ouija board but something more concrete and tactile. This is more than just hushed prayers and calm meditation. An erratic percussive score invokes a nuts-and-bolts approach to the proceedings. Joseph pours a salt line around the house sealing them inside for the duration of the ritual. Solomon continues to distrust Sophia’s true intentions. From here the two form an uneasy bond as Solomon is hired to facilitate the ritual and guide Sophia through it’s grueling practices. Sophia reveals in haste that she lost her child and all she wants to do is hear his voice again. When Solomon doubts her intentions he leaves demanding his money. We learn of Sophia’s preparation for some ritual in which she has purified herself through abstaining from sex and alcohol. She has arranged for him to visit the house. Soon she meets with an expert on occult rituals named Solomon. The film opens on grieving mother Sophia renting an estate home in the Welsh countryside under the stipulation that everything be kept strictly private. ![]() Surprisingly, this Irish horror/drama proved to be a deep exploration of forgiveness and the human spirit with rituals and black magic. Even through the first 15 minutes I felt this low budget offering from a first time director would lead into predictable ends with demons and regrettable decisions. On the surface it’s easy to dismiss something like A Dark Song as another possession film dealing with rituals and black magic. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |