OUT OF DARKNESS(2022) REVIEW

 

Cinematic voyages into ancient times have certainly evolved since the days of 1960s classics like “Prehistoric Women” and “Creatures That Time Forgot,” where cavewomen roamed in animal skins, grunting and gyrating through cheesy dangers. Enter “Out of Darkness,” a Scottish near-horror gem set a whopping 45,000 years back, boasting dialogue in a language dubbed “Tola” — meticulously crafted by a linguist and archaeologist. Forget cheesecake; in this chilly landscape, everyone's bundled up so tight, you'd struggle to spot a secondary sexual characteristic even with a magnifying glass. And with survival topping their to-do list, sensual escapades are about as likely as a dinosaur sighting.

The film kicks off around a campfire, where ancient tales weave through the air. Meet the nomadic clan, led by the pragmatic Adem (Chuku Modu), who's quick to debunk any demon talk. But when young Heron (Luna Mwezi) vanishes, the group's focus shifts from daily grind to dodge-and-survive mode. Ave (Iola Evans), carrying Adem's child, faces peril as an unseen force lurks in the shadows.

As alliances shift and trust dwindles, the clan navigates a treacherous landscape, bound not just by blood but by sheer necessity. Enter Beyah (Safia Oakley-Green), the stray woman Adem has eyes on, and Geirr (Kit Young), the warrior-in-training. It's survival of the fittest in a world where every move could be your last.

Backed by eerie melodies from Adam Janota Bzowski, shadow-drenched cinematography by Ben Fordesman, and bone-crunching sound design by Paul Davies, “Out of Darkness” immerses you in a world that's both captivating and bone-chilling. It's a journey you'll be glad to witness from the safety of your living room, grateful you weren't born into such a perilous era.

Ultimately, “Out of Darkness” serves up more sadness than scares, offering a gritty parable on the roots of human conflict. With committed performances and a palpable atmosphere, it's a journey back in time that's as credible as it is haunting.