Dark Sense review: It’s time to look at another one of Arrow Video Frightfest’s First Blood films, Dark Sense, a film all about serial killers and psychics.
Image Courtesy of Clout Communications
Simon (Shane O’Meara) is a lonely young man who spends his days looking after his sick mother. He also has the rather unique talent of second sight. After starting to have visions of a serial killer murdering their victims, Simon drafts in the help of ex-SAS soldier Steve (Jim Sturgeon) to help him in his mission to track down the killer. As the killer begins to circle Simon himself, he enters into an uneasy alliance with the police. Can they stop the killer, or will Simon be the next victim?
Based on the novel First and Only by Peter A. Flannery, Dark Sense is the first feature film from Scottish director Magnus Wake. For a debut feature film, Dark Sense is very well put together. The film rattles along at a nice steady pace, gradually building as it approaches the finale. The score is a haunting composition of strings and pianos which adds a Gothic edge to the visuals. This ties in nicely with the story, which has strong connections with the church, the serial killer being something of a religious zealot. There are plenty of scenes set in and around some Gothic looking churches, and the music reinforces that.
In addition to the main serial killer story, there’s also a subplot involving a test to prove psychic ability, which although an interesting idea, doesn’t feel fully connected to the main story. It likely works well in the novel upon which Dark Sense is based, but within the film, it clogs things up a tad; Dark Sense would be more cohesive without it.
Image Courtesy of Clout Communications
Shane O’Meara and Jim Sturgeon are great together as Simon and his hired gun Steve. Like any good buddy cop film, the pair are wary of one another at first, but gradually warm to one another. When they first meet, Steve is a broken man, something that Simon uses to his advantage, but as they spend time together they open up and inadvertently help each other. Steve is instrumental in making Simon feel normal, despite his strange ability. Simon, through the use of his ability, is able to convince Steve to better his own life.
A strong debut, with Dark Sense Magnus Wake demonstrates a keen eye, and an ear for setting up tone and atmosphere. The source material is sound, but a little trimming here and there might make for a more streamlined story.
Dark Sense was reviewed at Arrow Video Frightfest 2019.
