The Dark and the Wicked
Movie Trailer
Release Date
November 6, 2020
Genre
Horror
Cast & Crew
- Marin Ireland as Louise Straker
- Michael Abbott Jr. as Michael Straker
- Xander Berkeley as Priest
- Julie Oliver-Touchstone as Mother
- Tom Nowicki as Charlie
- Lynn Andrews as Nurse
Director
Bryan Bertino
Other Movies Director is Known For
- The Strangers (2008)
- Mockingbird (2014)
- The Monster (2016)
Producer
- Adrienne Biddle
- Bryan Bertino
- Sonny Mallhi
- Kevin Matusow
- Amanda Presmyk
Writer
- Bryan Bertino
Budget
$4 million
Production Company
- Unbroken Pictures
- Traveling Picture Show Company
Running Time
95 minutes
Languages
English
Maturity Rating
R
Content Advisory
- Graphic violence
- Disturbing imagery
- Psychological horror
- Strong language
Movie Story
“The Dark and the Wicked” is a terrifying horror film that delves into the dark and malevolent forces that haunt a remote family farm. The story follows siblings Louise (Marin Ireland) and Michael Straker (Michael Abbott Jr.) as they return to their rural Texas home to care for their dying father. Upon their arrival, they quickly realize that something far more sinister than illness is afflicting their family.
As their father’s condition worsens, strange and horrifying events begin to unfold. Their mother (Julie Oliver-Touchstone), who had been caring for him, appears to be unraveling under the weight of an unseen evil. She warns her children to leave, but her pleas are ignored. Soon, the siblings are besieged by a series of nightmarish occurrences that defy explanation, from disturbing visions to inexplicable injuries.
The presence that haunts the farm is relentless, feeding on the family’s fear and despair. It becomes clear that this malevolent force is intent on destroying them, body and soul. As they struggle to survive, Louise and Michael uncover dark secrets about their family and the land they call home. The entity they face is not just a ghost, but something ancient and evil that has latched onto their family, thriving on their grief and vulnerability.
Bryan Bertino masterfully builds tension throughout the film, creating an atmosphere of dread that permeates every scene. The isolation of the farmhouse, the bleakness of the surrounding landscape, and the inescapable sense of doom combine to create a horror experience that is both intimate and overwhelming. The film explores themes of guilt, faith, and the inescapable nature of death, all while delivering a relentless onslaught of scares that will leave audiences breathless.
Special Effects
“The Dark and the Wicked” relies on practical effects and atmospheric horror to create its terrifying moments. The use of shadow, sound, and unsettling visuals contributes to the film’s sense of creeping dread. The practical effects, particularly in the depiction of the supernatural occurrences, are effectively gruesome and disturbing, enhancing the film’s horror without relying heavily on CGI.
Box Office Performance
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, “The Dark and the Wicked” had a limited theatrical release and was primarily distributed through video-on-demand platforms. Despite this, the film received positive reviews from critics and horror enthusiasts, praised for its intense atmosphere and genuinely frightening moments. It quickly became a sleeper hit in the horror community.
Filming Locations
- Grandview, Texas, USA
Notable Quotes
- “Don’t come. Stay away.” – Mother
- “She told us not to come. We didn’t listen.” – Louise Straker
Behind-the-Scenes
“The Dark and the Wicked” was filmed on location in a remote area of Texas, which contributed significantly to the film’s eerie and isolated atmosphere. Director Bryan Bertino drew from personal experiences of growing up in a rural area to create the film’s authentic setting. The small, tight-knit cast and crew worked together to maintain the film’s intense and claustrophobic mood throughout production.
Awards
- Fangoria Chainsaw Awards Nomination: Best Actress (Marin Ireland)
- Tribeca Film Festival: Official Selection 2020
Final Verdict
“The Dark and the Wicked” is a relentless horror film that will leave you unsettled long after the credits roll. With its masterful use of atmosphere, strong performances, and unflinching approach to fear, it stands out as one of the most terrifying films in recent years. Bryan Bertino has crafted a horror experience that is both deeply psychological and viscerally frightening, making “The Dark and the Wicked” a must-watch for horror fans.
IMDb Rating
6.1/10