Ghosts of Darkness

Ghosts of Darkness is a gripping thriller-horror movie directed by David Ryan Keith in the year 2017. This movie stars an impressive trio of actors consisting of Michael Koltes, Paul Flannery, and Steve Weston. The narrative takes viewers on quite an eerie journey into the depths of suspense, horror and mystery, providing heart-racing moments that command your attention with its seamless blend of paranormal investigation and a classic haunted house story.

Michael Koltes and Paul Flannery steal the show as the paranormal investigators, Jack Donovan and Jonathan Blazer. Jack is a no-nonsense, deeply cynical, rational sceptic, who relies on logic and evidence. On the other hand, Jonathan, a flamboyant psychic medium, takes a more unconventional approach relying on his psychic abilities to speak to the other side. These two leads essentially embody the clash between science and belief, a theme which runs throughout the movie. Steve Weston joins the duo, in a meaningful and impactful role, amplifying the tension and the mystery in the narrative.

The venue of these uncanny activities is an old mansion known as Richmond Manor, which comes with the reputation of being the most haunted estate in Scotland. The owners of this manor have a proposition for Jack and Jonathan: spend three nights in the house, and prove or disprove the existence of the supernatural. This intriguing premise builds on the fear of the unknown and the suspense of what is to come.

With the reward money being too tempting to resist, the pair set up in the mansion for three nights, venturing into a world of terror. However, with each passing night, the paranormal activities in the house multiply impressively. Sounds, shadows, and inexplicable incidents occur, challenging Jack's scepticism and pushing Jonathan's psychic abilities to the limit. The relentless and intensifying menace in Richmond Manor embodies everything one can fear in a haunted house and pushes the boundaries of the supernatural.

One of the successful aspects of "Ghosts of Darkness" is the film's ability to merge humour and horror – a task often difficult to execute. You can find yourself being charmed by the banter and camaraderie between Jack and Jonathan, and the next moment, you are thrown into some tense and creepy situations. This tug of emotions is what makes this horror film stand out from the rest.

It’s not just the well-executed character development of our duo which is commendable, the other characters are equally well-rounded, each adding a layer of mystery and suspense. The setting of the old manor, with its creepy interiors and unsettling atmosphere, also plays a crucial character by itself, enhancing the bone-chilling experience of the film.

The cinematography of the film by Jamie Montgomery is exceptionally done. It manages to capture and project the eerie mood of the storyline brilliantly with the right angles and views. The increasingly claustrophobic set-up, combined with the atmospheric soundtrack by Niall Mathewson, not only sets the mood but also paces the narrative impeccably.

Although "Ghosts of Darkness" is a horror movie, it's not just about jump scares. The film delves deeper by infusing psychological elements, making it an exploration of human fears, beliefs, emotions, and interactions. It has its fair share of scary moments but seamlessly integrates these fears with deeper, more profound fears of self-doubt, vulnerability and challenges to personal belief systems.

All in all, this film is perfect for viewers who love their horror seasoned with mystery, suspense and sprinkles of humour. Douglas' direction, combined with the fabulous performances from Koltes, Flannery and Weston, and the unforgettable characterisation of the Richmond Manor, make "Ghosts of Darkness" much more than your typical horror movie. The film offers a captivating narrative that won't let you take your eyes off the screen. Amidst all the screams and scares, it poses as a delightful addition to the portfolio of any horror-genre aficionado. Enjoy the ride, hold on to your seats, and remember to leave the lights on.