Into the Dark - DVD

Content: After losing her parents to cancer in just six months, photographer Sophia Monet (Mischa Barton) has a world come crashing down. She completely withdraws from life and even her pal Sam's (Jaz Martin) most intense attempts to bring her out of her lethargy fail. But then one night Sophia literally runs into the arms of the charming Adam Hunt (Ryan Eggold). The two have chemistry from the moment they meet, and Adam is even able to convince the shy Sophia to take a tour of Weldon Towers, where he lives and where it's supposed to be haunted. Although there's clearly been a spark, it takes Sophia some time before she's ready to meet up with Adam again. And it's not long before the two become a couple. But their happiness is not for long. Because one night Adam disappears without a trace from his apartment on the 21st floor of Weldon Towers. The police can't find any clues that point to foul play. But Sophia is sure: Adam was taken to the top floor, which is supposed to be haunted. Together with Sam, his girlfriend Penny (Melinda Y. Cohen) and Adam's roommate Astrid (Leah Pipes), she sets out to find him there - unaware of the horror that awaits them...

Into the Dark begins very leisurely. In the first twenty minutes, there is very little to suggest that there could be anything like suspense here. Rather, the story takes on traits of a romantic drama. This is not really disturbing because of the good chemistry between Mischa Barton and Ryan Eggold. But still, the feeling spreads that you should be prepared for a rather quiet Schmonzette. But appearances are deceiving. Because after the worn introduction, the flick turns into a decent mystery thriller with atmospheric creepy elements.

What director Mark Edwin Robinson has staged here with relatively simple means, is not really new, but can still be absolutely worth watching. The scenes on the upper floor of Weldon Towers are pleasing with classic goosebump moments and atmospheric visuals. Even though logic is lacking at times and many a genre cliché is unpacked, the story clearly picks up tension here. At some point it becomes clear what Robinson's intentions are. The idea, which reminds a bit of Flatliners, definitely has potential, but unfortunately it's given away in the end. For as much time as Robinson takes to carefully build up the story, the final act feels rushed and muddled.

While it becomes obvious that at least an attempt was made to escape the rules of the genre a bit and offer an ending that doesn't actually offer a direct resolution, but rather in romantic gothic tradition determines the fate of the main characters. But there remain too many loose threads, too many unanswered questions, for this ending to be truly convincing.

Besides that, Into the Dark is a thoroughly enjoyable romance-creep hybrid that manages to please with atmospheric staging and even something like acting talent on the part of Mischa Barton. No masterpiece, but for an entertaining video evening it is enough. Worth seeing!

Picture + Sound: The picture of the DVD is not particularly spectacular, but absolutely satisfactory. There are no smudges or distracting effects, the colour scheme is atmospheric and the sharpness of the picture is fully convincing, at least in the brighter scenes. In the numerous darker moments, there are small point deductions here and there in the detail representation, but overall the positive overall impression prevails. The same goes for the audio, which has some decent but effective surround effects to offer, especially in the second half. These not only provide a comforting goosebump, but also a bit of dynamics in the otherwise rather front-heavy action. Good.

Extras: As bonus material, there is unfortunately only the trailer and other program tips from the provider.

Conclusion:Into the Dark begins rather leisurely and leads one to expect a somewhat predictable romantic drama. However, about halfway through the running time, it turns into a mystery-creepy thriller that can convince with decent actors, an atmospheric setting and some successful goosebump moments. In the end, it lacks the final kick to lift the film well above average. But for an entertaining and pleasantly exciting video evening this mystery thriller is enough, which is why there is a clear recommendable despite some dramaturgical weaknesses!

An article by Frankfurt-Tipp