Darkness Waits

Darkness Waits is an intriguing indie horror-comedy film directed by Libby McDermott that was released in 2020 by Rad Bear Pictures. The film stars an engaging cast, including Scott Schiaffo, known for his role in "Clerks", along with Conrad Brooks, and the talented Mel Heflin. A captivating narrative is woven in this unique thriller, highlighting the unexpected happenings in the Darkrock community.

The film is set in the small town of Darkrock, an innocent looking community that holds some deeply concealed secrets. Every town out there has some history, but Darkrock's history is not to be taken lightly. Its normal peaceful suburban appearance conceals chilling secrets that contribute to the spine-tingling essence of this film. It's not a stereotypical lumbering monster or serial killer that the town is wary of - there's something more eerie and sinister lurking around the corner.

Scott Schiaffo breathes life into the character Tommy, a local resident with an unusual obsession. Tommy's peculiar interest in funerals and death makes him stand out in the community. One unfortunate event leads to another, and he finds himself in a situation that quickly spirals out of his control. It’s these events, following Tommy's seemingly innocent curiosity, which propel the hold-your-breath suspense and chilling horror.

The storyline also involves other unique characters like the lovely Bella (Mel Heflin), who has just moved to town, along with an eccentric array of residents. This ensemble is peppered with a wide range of eccentric personalities that add depth to the film, and their intertwining life stories render a rich narrative. They all bring their own flavors to the story, creating a unique blend between humor, mystery, and horror.

The film utilizes horror and comedy together, shedding light on the dark side of suburban community life where everything isn't as wholesome as it appears. The blend of comedy and horror helps to break the suspense just long enough to make the impending horror all the more impactful. The clever staging of fears and scares are intertwined with hilarity in a beautiful fashion.

Director Libby McDermott beautifully drives this narrative, balancing comedy, suspense, horror, and mystery evenly. Her deft handling showcases the duality of Darkrock's peace and malice. She effectively ramps up the tension while injects humor at the perfect moments to create an engaging movie-going experience.

Cinematography is also one of the driving aspects of the film. The beautifully captured scenes take us into the heart of the small town, building an enchanting and, at times, eerie atmosphere. Every shot is framed intricately to highlight the looming danger and the horror that slowly but surely unravels. The set design is immersive, making you feel a part of the Darkrock community whilst also making you fear it.

A key part of Darkness Waits is the suspense that the film consistently maintains. The unpredictable narrative takes you through twists and turns as the darkness looming within the town begins to reveal itself, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. Each unfolding scene only compounds this suspense, driving deeper into the mystery that engulfs Darkrock.

Darkness Waits is nothing short of a roller-coaster ride. It's a low-budget indie film that manages to pack a big punch and leave you thinking long after the credits have rolled. It can be described as a beautiful amalgamation of suspense, humor, horror, and array of unforgettable characters in a simple yet impactful setting. The movie is a must-watch for fans of the horror-comedy genre and for anyone looking for a unique cinematic experience that will take them through twists, turns, and revelations. The tale of Darkrock town is one that might make you question if everything is really as innocent as it appears in a small town, and if indeed, Darkness Waits.