Family frights are dripping with dread

Bertino back with fourth stab at horror

Despite his debut The Strangers playing well with critics and audiences, this marks only the third movie Bryan Bertino has directed since his 2008 bow.

It’s no surprise that all four of his films have been horrors as the Texan knows how to send chills down spines.

His latest work, which he also penned, sees Marin Ireland (Louise) and Michael Abbott Jr.’s (Michael) siblings return to their childhood home as their dad David (Michael Zagst) is dying – and it soon becomes obvious that something sinister is at play within the house.

The atmosphere Bertino creates in his near-singular location-set movie is dripping with dread; he films most scenes in such naturally dull light that it makes the outside world seem much further than a pull of a curtain away.

There are elements of possession and haunted house horror but the main thing tormenting the family is throatgripping impending death, grief and regret.

As a result, it’s reminiscent of Relic and The Vigil, but original enough to justify its place in the genre.

The relatively unknown, and small, cast all turn in splendid performances, with Ireland and Zagst tugging on your heartstrings as they try to do what is best for their parents in the midst of seemingly unconquerable odds.

Julie Oliver-touchstone is creepy and sympathetic as the pair’s mum Virginia and a barely recognisable Xander Berkeley’s gaunt and frazzled priest is no Father Merrin from The Exorcist here to save the day.

Tom Schraeder’s musical score gets under your skin too – and makes you jump out of your seat when he turns up the volume.

The Dark and the Wicked is as much about troubled family relationships and resentment as it is severed digits and demonic presences.

Once again showing audiences that he is a master of modern horror, hopefully it isn’t too much longer before we see Bertino back behind the camera.

●What are your favourite horror movies? What type of horror scares you the most?

Pop me an email at ian.bunting@ reachplc.com and I will pass on your comments – and any movie or TV show recommendations you have – to your fellow readers.

Tommy Russell contacted us to suggest: “Give The Tomorrow War on Amazon Prime Video a watch; it’s a really fun, clever time-travel movie.”

Horrors at home Marin Ireland stars as Louise