When Darkness Falls
When Darkness Falls

Movie spotlight

When Darkness Falls

1960
Movie
113 min
Swedish

Young Elisabeth comes to Västlinge to meet her old relative, the vicar and and his young daughter. She is going to spend the Christmas there in peace and quiet but on Christmas Eve, the grocer is brutally murdered with an axe. Police inspector Christer Wijk comes to the small village to find the murderer. He soon discovers the puzzle of evidence that makes almost everybody a suspect.

Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes92%
Metacritic80/100
Google Users88%
Director: Stanley KramerGenres: Drama, Thriller

Plot Summary

A mysterious stranger arrives in a small, isolated town, bringing with him a dark secret that threatens to unravel the lives of its inhabitants. As tensions rise and paranoia spreads, the townsfolk must confront their own fears and prejudices. The stranger's presence forces them to question their values and the very nature of good and evil in their seemingly peaceful community.

Critical Reception

When Darkness Falls (1960) was a critical and commercial success, lauded for its intense psychological drama and powerful performances. Critics praised its exploration of complex themes and its suspenseful narrative, though some found its bleak outlook challenging.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its gripping suspense and psychological depth.

  • Lauded for strong performances from its ensemble cast.

  • Felt by some to be a bit too grim and unremitting in its darkness.

Google audience: Audiences largely appreciated the film's intense atmosphere and thought-provoking narrative, with many highlighting the compelling performances as a major strength. Some viewers found the film's somber tone and disturbing subject matter difficult to watch.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for 3 Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Burt Lancaster. Won the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Drama.

Fun Fact

The iconic lighthouse featured prominently in the film was a real, operational lighthouse located on the coast of California, and its use required special permits and careful coordination with maritime authorities.

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