Lost After Dark

Lost After Dark is a 2015 tribute to 80's slasher horror flicks, directed by Ian Kessner and starring Sarah Fisher, Mark Wiebe, and Jesse Camacho among others. The movie takes its audience down memory lane, reintroducing the thrill, suspense, and terror that have defined genre classics while updates it visually for the modern audience.

Lost After Dark revolves around the story of a group of high school acquaintances who decide to seize the day and set off on an unauthorized trip of fun and adventure – little did they know that it would turn into a nightmarish struggle for survival. Showcasing Sarah Fisher as Adrienne, Mark Wiebe as Johnny, and Jesse Camacho as Tobe, the film dives into the journey of this group as they, completely unaware of the lurking danger, drive off in a school bus to a secluded cabin owned by Adrienne's father. However, when their ride runs out of fuel in the middle of nowhere – a desolate, abandoned mine site, the group finds itself facing deadly threats they could not have imagined.

Coming across as a reboot to the 1980s slasher flicks, the movie weaves the tale in an authentic '80s setting with a unique style of presentation, complete with a vintage grain effect that accurately recreates the feeling of watching a film from that era. The gritty setting and atmospheric design create the correct ambiance for a suspense-thriller, with long shadows, low light, and high contrast contributing to the overall sense of impending doom.

The ensemble cast delivers commendable performances in perfectly crafted characters, each representing different high school stereotypes. Sarah Fisher, as Adrienne, stands out in her role as the shy, introverted, and intelligent girl, who gradually evolves as the story progresses. Mark Wiebe brilliantly portrays the affable and good-hearted Jock, Johnnie, and Jesse Camacho delivers an effective and notable performance as Tobe, the comedic sidekick with an endearing and relatable persona.

Merging contemporary horror trends with visuals and narrative techniques hailing from the 1980s, director Ian Kessner meticulously crafts Lost After Dark. Its plot combined with gruesome deaths reminiscent of the decade's classic slashers gives the film an edge and authenticity. This sense of nostalgia is amped up by the film's retro soundtrack, which serves to augment the onscreen tension and dread.

At the same time, while Lost After Dark can be considered a homage to earlier times' horror genre, it also provides a fresh take to connect with today's audiences. There's a layer of self-awareness present in the script, making sure that the film not only replicates the older horror tropes but also cleverly subverts and reinvents them at key moments, injecting a breath of fresh air into a genre sometimes considered formulaic.

As a result, Lost After Dark offers itself to both horror genre aficionados as a tribute and newcomers as a welcoming entry point. It successfully manages to capture the thrill and fun of the '80s horror scene while bringing a sense of novelty, excitement, and unpredictability. Whether it's the palpable tension and mystery, unexpected plot twists, or dedicated performances, Lost After Dark has a lot to offer.

Despite its format, the movie does not settle for cheap, predictable scares. Instead, it relies on building tension and creating an atmosphere of dread with well-executed scare tactics and cues. The beautiful cinematography by Curtis Peterson with its dynamic framing and contrasting lighting aesthetic contribute greatly to the spooky ambiance that sustains throughout the film.

Although the film begins as a fun-filled journey of a group of schoolmates, it swiftly turns into a thrilling horror-suspense that demands the audience's attention from start to finish. The characters' confusion and panic, combined with the atmospheric horror elements will keep viewers on the edge of their seat, making Lost After Dark a delightful ride of terror and adrenaline.

Lost After Dark emerges as a well-crafted, stylish, and engaging horror flick that pays respect to its predecessors while succeeding in its own right. With its engaging storyline, commendable performances, and excellent ambiance, it's a testament to the timeless appeal of slasher flicks and a must-watch for any horror cinema enthusiast.