Lights Out

The dark is a terrifying place in this chilling if somewhat slight horror film.

This chilling horror film is illuminated by Teresa Palmer's heroine, who believes she left her childhood fears behind when she moved out of her disturbed mother’s house. But now her little brother Martin (Gabriel Bateman) is experiencing the same terrifying events when the lights go out...

David F. Sandberg makes an impressive directorial debut with this original horror based on his own short film, even though it does feel like an episode of The Twilight Zone. It is economical and straight to the point with imaginative set-ups involving clever use of lighting. Palmer is strong as Rebecca, the feisty protagonist, and Maria Bello is effective as her fragile mother. The rest of the cast are not as successful but overall this is a welcome addition to the genre.

GEORGE SAVVIDES

Cast: Teresa Palmer, Gabriel Bateman, Billy Burke, Maria Bello, Emily Alyn Lind, Billy Burke.

Dir David F. Sandberg, Pro Lawrence Grey, Eric Heisserer and James Wan, Screenplay Eric Heisserer, Ph Marc Spicer, Pro Des Jennifer Spence, Ed Michel Aller, Music Benjamin Wallfisch, Costumes Kristin M. Burke.

New Line Cinema/Atomic Monster/Grey Matter Productions/RatPac Entertainment-Warner Brothers.
80 mins. USA. 2016. Rel: 19 August 2016. Cert. 15.