As Darkness Sets In
As Darkness Sets In

Movie spotlight

As Darkness Sets In

1984
Movie
18 min
English

Mid '80s slasher with teens being picked off one by one by a masked killer.

Insights

IMDb6.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes72%
Metacritic65/100
Google Users85%
Director: Arthur PenhaligonGenres: Horror, Mystery, Thriller

Plot Summary

A young couple inherits a remote, dilapidated mansion with a dark past. Strange occurrences and unsettling visions plague their stay, as they uncover a series of unsolved disappearances linked to the property. They must confront the malevolent force lurking within before they too become its next victims. The isolation of the mansion amplifies their growing paranoia and terror.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'As Darkness Sets In' garnered mixed to positive reviews, with critics praising its atmospheric tension and suspenseful build-up, though some found the plot predictable. Audiences were largely captivated by its gothic horror elements and the chilling performances of its lead actors. It has since gained a cult following among horror enthusiasts.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its effective use of atmosphere and suspense.

  • The performances, particularly by Victoria Sterling, were noted as strong.

  • Some critics found the narrative to be somewhat derivative of earlier gothic horror films.

Google audience: Audiences frequently lauded the film's genuinely frightening moments and its ability to create a palpable sense of dread. Many viewers appreciated the classic horror tropes and the effective score that enhanced the overall mood. A common point of appreciation was the film's deliberate pacing, allowing the tension to build gradually.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Cinematography at the Saturn Awards.

Fun Fact

The remote mansion used for filming, Blackwood Manor, was a real, abandoned estate with a local reputation for being haunted, which director Arthur Penhaligon felt added an authentic layer of creepiness to the production.

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