I am always on the hunt for new film releases. In this case, the neo-noir genre-subverting Dark My Light was an exciting addition to my watchlist. I usually begin my movie research with a few stops on the lovely interwebs. I was happy to read the little information I did, as I try to avoid movie impressions to form my own—the more mystery, the better. For our benefit, the description of Dark My Light included words such as “serial killer,” “marriage on the rocks,” and “losing a grip on reality.” Those just happen to be some of my favorite phrases. Luckily, writer/director Neal Dhand brought Albert Jones and Keesha Sharp along for this fantastical journey of a desperate man with all the time in the world.
“Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”
True Crime
Mitchell Morse (Albert Jones) is the lead detective on the case of a serial murderer. His marriage is rocky, and he has a new partner. Unfortunately, Dreyfus (Tom Lipinski) lands squarely in the hunt for a slasher with three women’s murders under their belt, and now there’s a severed foot of a man in the picture.
At dawn on an otherwise secluded part of the beach, a beachhouse seems to have no life, charm, or clues of being occupied. It sounds relaxing, and yet it’s loud and ominous. There appears to be a sense of knowing for Mitchell once the morning sun rises. He seems exhausted already and almost robotic as he’s going through the motions of being a detective, and learning about his new partner looks like a chore. Furthermore, Mitchell acts as if nothing is important but seeing his wife after work. And even that appears rehearsed.
This case should be the center of this tale. Yet, it’s the background to discover what Mitchell is up to and why he heavily focuses on his marriage. He seems frustrated by default. His wife, Emily (Keesha Sharp), plays the role of the good wife for an evening with him and Dreyfus. And it seems obvious to all of us watching that Emily is moving on. Yet Mitchell bizarrely attempts to romance Emily even while Dreyfus awkwardly stands by. It’s as if Mitchell is in his own world and has no interest in this case or how his actions are perceived by anyone else.
Same Shit, Different Day
Each day should be a new beginning, but it’s merely a new approach from Mitchell. Mitchell’s days become one tired try after another. He wants so much more of the time that has passed and refuses to move forward. There is so much frustration, anger, and exhaustion that Mitchell and Emily look worse and sound more despondent as time practically stands still.
The great twist is plain to see within the first scenes, but the story lies in the grey of this reality. A reality in which Mitchell seems mad for continuing charades and pointless actions to achieve something out of reach. Jones really shines here; most of his character development lies in his actions and less in his words. His guttural screams into the dark are heartwrenching. I felt sympathy for the broken man, and yet everything he is and where he is at is his own creation. Mitchell and Emily dwell within this bubble of the longest and most worn-out day.
Mitchell and Emily
Events occurred sporadically, as shocking or mundane, and I never knew what to expect. Mitchell provides the adventure, the exciting, and even disturbing action. What has he done? What will he do? I dare not spoil the best bits because those were the moments I savored. The pacing was excellent as it peaked and lingered exactly where needed. I didn’t feel as connected to Emily despite understanding what was intended. And I felt disappointed in her character’s depth. However, Sharp captured much of the emotion despite the lack of words. Moreover, I enjoyed the mystery and the view. Most notably, Dhand’s fitting choice of 16mm film set the mood and kept it in that magic realm where dark meets light.
This should satiate the neo-noir crowd and hopefully find a home among horror fans. I wasn’t happy with the conclusion because I knew I wouldn’t see what I wanted. Still, all the best parts are uneasy, shocking, or thrilling, which intrigued me. My anxiety didn’t appreciate the bouncing back and forth throughout the days. Still, I am sure it was intended to keep me down in this desolate pit where Mitchell resides with all his mistakes. Ethos Releasing has Dark My Light arriving on video-on-demand nationwide on May 6th.
