As much as I love reading comics and looking at comic-related movies and TV shows, one of my favorite things to do is watch horror movies. No, it’s not because it is October. I have always been a fan of scary movies. Now, if you ask me what is my favorite scary movie, then I really have to sit back and think from all my times watching horror flicks, which lands on my top 10.
Since there are many genres within horror, I am planning on touching these two movies that fall into the supernatural horror style. We have a kid who is scared to be in the dark because something within the darkness can attack. No one believes the kid except the person who has survived and witnessed it. No matter what anyone says, the darkness is scary. You may disagree with me but think about it: in a place that is pure darkness, your mind starts playing with you and you see things you cannot explain. It is the unknown that the darkness brings that is the true horror.
(Warning, there will be some slight spoilers of the plot but will be kept to a minimum)
Lights Out
Release Date: July 22, 2016
Director: David F. Sandberg
Favorite Quote: “Keep the lights out.” – Diana
It started off as a short film, then made its way to the big screen. Lights Out is an interesting supernatural thriller. The movie does provide the creepy feeling that someone is watching you within the shadows, and it was quite enjoyable. You are safe within the light, but that would only anger Diana, the ghost. We do get some backstory about Diana within the movie and why she sticks herself with the family that she is tormenting.
But the movie isn’t anything without the cast, and even if the movie didn’t have a lot of people it was the perfect amount for this movie. Rebecca and Martin are step-siblings who are having an issue with the thing within their mother’s house. Rebecca, being the oldest, has had experience with the whole Diana issue and has since moved out, but when Martin is experiencing the same thing and is unable to sleep, Rebecca is there to help him out. Sophie, the mother, has the most history with Diana, as they used to be friends when she was growing up. Diana suffered from a skin condition that would not allow her to have any form of light touch her skin. There are other people within the movie, but everything revolves around these three.
Diana in shadow form is one freaky-looking woman. For being a “ghost”, she is a force to be reckoned with. She has a very animalistic nature, is able to speak, and has no problem taking a life. The darkness is her true domain and if you are stuck there, either have a flashlight or some form of light that can save you. If not, you are dead. She gives one warning, which is nice of her, but after that she does what she wants. When they finally do show her true form, away from her shadow form, yeah it’s not a pretty sight.
Darkness Falls
Release Date: January 24, 2003
Director: Jonathan Liebesman
Favorite Quote: “Remember, when the tooth fairy comes, don’t peek.” – Young Caitlin
150 years ago, in the town of Darkness Falls, a local lady was known as the Tooth Fairy. All the kids went to her to give them their last baby teeth for a gold coin. One day, two kids went missing, and the town blamed her and killed her. With her last dying breath, she cursed the town. The curse has one rule: you cannot see her, or she will kill you.
Only one child survived the town and 12 years later he returns to Darkness Falls when another child has seen the Tooth Fairy. He is the only one who can try to save the child. The only way to survive after seeing the Tooth Fairy is to stay in the light or not look at her. The darkness is the domain of the Tooth Fairy, and she will only come to collect the last baby tooth. But when the Tooth Fairy shows up, don’t peek.
Being a vengeful spirit, she is not like most spirits. You can shoot her, burn her with fire, and, of course, lead her to the light. She can pick up people and throw them, pick up furniture and cause major damage. The way she looks is similar to one of the wraiths from the Harry Potter series, but with porcelain mask and a shriek can announce her presence. That shriek exists only to make you see her, so she can add another body under her belt.
The two main survivors, Kyle and Michael, are an interesting bunch. They both show their fear of the dark and everyone at the moment thinks that they are crazy as no one believes them. Caitlin, Michael’s older sister, shows that she does worry of what’s going on with her brother and will do anything to get him better. The atmosphere of the movie goes perfectly well with all the woods around the area. Being it’s a small town, everyone knows each other. The backstory of the local legend of the Tooth Fairy also provides the creep factor of the town.
After watching these two movies, Lights Out for the first time and Darkness Falls for the first time in 10 years, they both are similar in a lot of ways. Both use the darkness and a vengeful spirit who take the darkness as their domain. Diana was better than the Tooth Fairy in a lot of ways, but I felt that the Tooth Fairy had a better history and lore. So who did it better within this supernatural horror? Well, in a way they both did in their own ways. The Tooth Fairy is more active and affects the whole town of Darkness Falls, while Diana keeps to one location majority of the time.
So next time you’re alone in the dark, think about it: are you really alone?
