We Summon the Darkness

We Summon the Darkness is an intense, thrilling movie that weaves together elements of horror, dark comedy, and drama. Released in 2019 and directed by Marc Meyers, the movie is a startling mix of friendship, betrayal, and dread, starring renowned actress Alexandra Daddario, rising talent Keean Johnson, and the powerful Maddie Hasson.

The film is set in the late 1980s, an era rife with the mystique of heavy metal music, rebellious youth, and the ever-looming hysteria about satanic cults. It does a fantastic job in encapsulating the vibrance of the '80s, capturing the essence of a time characterized by big hair and even bigger fears. The viewer is placed at the heart of this culturally sensational period, where rock 'n' roll served as both an outlet for teenage rebellion and fuel for the era’s obsession with satanic rituals.

We Summon the Darkness introduces us to three young, carefree friends—Alexis (Alexandra Daddario), Val (Maddie Hasson), and Beverly (Amy Forsyth)—who embark on a road trip to the heartland of America to attend a heavy metal concert. They portray the adventurous spirit of self-expressive youth, donned in custom leather jackets and breezy attitudes, rebelliously blasting music and relishing the freedom of the open road.

On their journey, they cross paths with three likable young men—Mark (Keean Johnson), Kovacs (Logan Miller), and Ivan (Austin Swift)—who are also on their way to the same concert. United by their mutual love for heavy metal, the part forms a bond, indulging in playful flirtation, laughter, and togetherness. Their camaraderie culminates in an impromptu after-party at Alexis' secluded mansion.

Soon after their arrival, their seemingly harmless night of fun transforms into something dark and terrifying, flipping the movie's tone entirely. Presenting a fresh spin on vintage horror, the film masterfully combines thrills and chills with situational irony, shifting perceptions, and challenging the audience's understanding of who the true villains are.

Alexandra Daddario delivers a compelling performance as Alexis, skillfully blending charm and menace. She emerges as a dynamic force with her striking presence and mysteriously complex character. Maddie Hasson, with her wild spirit, provides commendable comic relief amid the tension-filled atmosphere, while Amy Forsyth portrays the innocent and reserved Beverly with a perfect balance.

Keean Johnson, along with his co-stars Logan Miller and Austin Swift, also add depth to the narrative. They capture the aura of the unassuming, heavy metal-loving guys, maintaining a certain innocence that contrasts with the movie's sinister undertone.

Director Marc Meyers expertly unravels the plot, building tension and intrigue, all while maintaining a steady pace that keeps you glued to your screen. The narrative smoothly balances elements of suspense, horror, and unexpected comedy, offering an engaging watch for lovers of genre-bending cinema.

The film’s energy is amplified with the soundtrack, featuring a collection of heavy metal anthems, immersing the audience in the rebellious ‘80s ambiance. The cinematography visualizes an eerie and unsettling aesthetic, with skillful use of light and shadow that heighten the film’s chilling mood.

We Summon the Darkness ostensibly plays with '80s horror clichés, but subverts expectations with its story twists, sly humor, and engaging performances. What starts as a bubbly tale of friendship and youth joyride, rapidly morphs into a terrifying saga of survival. The film vividly portrays the dichotomy of good and evil, innocence and deviance, while constantly keeping viewers on the edge of their seat, playing with perceptions and questioning assumptions. It reflects the audacity of youth, the power of manipulation, and the pervasive paranoia of the era, leaving audiences thrilled, horrified, and thoughtful at the same time.

In summary, We Summon the Darkness is an enjoyable roller-coaster ride that blends the nostalgia of '80s heavy metal, subverts the conventional horror tropes, and a delivers an entertaining mix of thrills, chills, and dark humor. The electrifying performances are commendable, as the narrative delves into deeper themes of media influence, public hysteria, and the duality of human nature. Whether you're a fan of horror, metal, or both, this film is a must-watch that perfectly twists the old and familiar into something shockingly new.