While the title is “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark,” do be afraid for this is a tidy creature feature geared to scare the dickens out of us. Psychological in concept, and co-written by Mexican horrormeister Guillermo del Toro (director of”Pan’s Labyrinth”), it’s adapted from a 1973 TV movie. Over a hundred years ago murder was committed in a mansion, and into this 19thcentury manor today its new owner, a workaholic, divorced architect Alex Hurst (a bland Guy Pearce) is remodeling the abode. His ten-year-old daughter Sally (Bailee Madison) is staying with him and his new girlfriend Kim (Katie Holmes) who endeavors to form a bond with the recalcitrant child. Exploring the large quarters, Sally hears strange voices and sees peculiar happenings in the cellar, but no one believes her ramblings, except us watching the creepy events unfold.
Troy Nixey’s feature film directorial debut is an auspicious endeavor. Little Bailee Madison’s performance outshines both name actors as the choice prey, reminiscent of the horrifying “Poltergeist.” The inquisitive little girl has unwittingly freed the “creatures” and unleashed the unspeakable upon her family. In a supporting role, Jack Thompson plays a groundskeeper who seems to know more about the scary things in this well-crafted horror shocker intended to make us afraid to be in the dark.
Image Source: L.A. Times
