Dead Night

Dead Night is a 2017 horror film by Dark Sky Films, directed by Brad Baruh and co-written by Irving Walker. The film features an ensemble cast including Brea Grant, AJ Bowen, and the legendary scream queen, Barbara Crampton, along with Sophie Dalah, Elise Luthman, Joshua Hoffman, Daniel Roebuck, and Joy Osmanski. It presents a horrifying, twist-laden narrative that keeps viewers on edge from start to finish.

The storyline for Dead Night follows the Pollack family, led by parents James (AJ Bowen) and Casey (Brea Grant), who are seeking a peaceful weekend getaway at a remote cabin in the snow-covered wilderness of Oregon. They hope the trip will provide a therapeutic respite for their son Jason (Joshua Hoffman), who is battling cancer. Their other members include their daughter Jessica (Sophie Dalah) and her friend Becky (Elise Luthman). The picturesque surroundings and the relaxing ambiance of the cabin ironically become a horrifying setting as the narrative unfolds.

As the family settles into their weekend home, they encounter Leslie Bison (Barbara Crampton), an unconscious woman they find lying in the snow. After bringing her inside and attempting to aid her, they are soon startled by her sudden transition from a frail, helpless lady to an unhinged and terrifying stranger, and the weekend getaway spirals into a night of horrifying and mysterious occurrences.

The unfolding events are framed within a parallel narrative depicting Casey as the star of a creepy true crime television show, 'Inside Crime'. This show, broadcast five years after the events at the cabin, narrates a warped version of the horrors Casey and her family endured, with the media portraying her as the malevolent mastermind behind a mass murder. This dual narrative structure provides the film with a unique blend of psychological horror and media critique, enriching the audience's experience by varying perspectives on the same events.

Often termed a Lovecraftian horror flick, Dead Night vigorously blends classic horror elements with supernatural phenomena. It presents an intricate tapestry of murder, mystery, and malevolent forces. The film’s narrative frequently jumps between timelines and perspectives, creating a disorienting sense of dread that compliments the unfolding horror.

Barbara Crampton, an iconic figure in the horror genre due to her roles in movies like Re-Animator and From Beyond, delivers a magnetic performance as Leslie Bison, skillfully transitioning from an unconscious victim to a nightmarish antagonist. AJ Bowen effectively portrays James as a protective and stoic figure, while Brea Grant's performance as Casey resonates with the audience due to her emotional depth and the tangible fear she portrays.

Bolstering the impressive performances are the unique visual aesthetics of Dead Night. Director Brad Baruh makes exceptional use of the snowy, secluded setting to create an atmosphere of isolation and foreboding. The intense close-ups and grim lighting intensify the overall sense of dread, while an evocative score amps up the suspense.

However, Dead Night is not just a straightforward horror film. It also offers a commentary on the power of media narratives, demonstrated by the 'Inside Crime' element. This b-roll investigation paints a conflicting picture of Casey's ordeal, underlining the deceptive nature of one-sided narratives, and potently underscores how fear can be manipulated and weaponized.

In conclusion, Dead Night is a chilling horror film that combines traditional and modern elements of the genre to craft a haunting narrative. It's a film that'll engage viewers who love getting lost in twisted, atmospheric tales of horror. Furthermore, it urges viewers to consider the duplicity of media-driven crime narratives. Instances of horror are skillfully intertwined with psychological elements and elements of social relevance, making Dead Night not just a chilling watch, but also a thought-provoking one. However, be warned, its intense horror scenes, grim ambience, and dashes of gore might not be suited for the fainthearted.