Review by David Baldwin for Mr. Will Wong
Sofia (Natalie Dormer) is a gifted pianist despite being blind since she was five-years-old. She keeps to herself, but after her neighbour Veronique (Emily Ratajkowski) commits suicide under suspicious circumstances, Sofia is plunged into the unknown – and may be in more danger than she understands.
In Darkness is not a great title, but aptly describes the life Sofia leads throughout the Film. Dormer and Director Anthony Byrne have crafted a clever little Screenplay that soars when it plays into the nuances of the main character being blind and the suspense that can be derived from it. It gets more and more preposterous as it slowly unpacks itself (specifically within its twisty Third Act when the Film shows its full hand) but manages to be entertaining enough anyway. Ratajkowski gives what is likely her best film performance – despite having less than ten minutes of screen time – while Ed Skrein, Joely Richardson and Neil Maskell all deliver solid supporting turns.
And while the Sound Design and Camera Work are outstanding, In Darkness’ standout is Dormer. She perfectly embodies the confidence and anxieties Sofia faces, and never lets her performance waver. She maintains an intensity that goes unmatched by the rest of the cast and commands the screen at every turn. While she has long been a supporting player in the likes of Game of Thrones, The Tudors and The Hunger Games sequels, In Darkness gives her an outlet to truly rise above and lead her own project. I just wish the Film around her was nearly as good as her performance.
levelFILM release IN DARKNESS on VOD and Digital on Tuesday, June 5, 2018.
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