Wrestling and The Wicker Man combine in Wolfcop director Lowell Dean’s latest film, Dark Match. The film will have its World Premiere at the Fantasia Film Festival on Sunday 21st July at 6:30pm and is set to drive fans of both horror and wrestling into a frenzy. Starring Steven Ogg, Ayisha Issa, Sara Canning, Jonathan Cherry, and famed wrestling icon, Chris Jericho, Dark Match is a brutal mix of action and the occult. Set during the 80s, Dark Match chronicles the plight of one touring wrestling company who come into trouble.
A small-time wrestling company accepts a well-paid, but too good to be true, gig in a backwoods town only to learn, too late, that the community is run by a mysterious cult leader… and their event is a pay-per-view fight to the death. With hectic fight sequences and commanding performances, Dark Match has a lot going for it. Interestingly, despite its 80s setting, Dark Match focuses on female wrestler Miss Behave (Ayisha Issa) rather than the expected male lead. It’s a bold move that works beautifully as Ayisha Issa is perfect in the role. On the roster as second lead is everyone’s favourite bad guy, Steven Ogg, an actor who is once more at the top of his game. The pair are electric together and help make Dark Match extra special.
Once Dark Match has screened at Fantasia, the film will travel to the UK where it will premiere as part of Pigeon Shrine FrightFest’s 25th anniversary event. Ahead of both festival debuts, THN sat down with both Ayisha Issa and Steven Ogg to discuss the project, the history of wrestling, and much more. Watch the fun-filled conversation in full below.
Dark Match receives its world premiere at Fantasia International Film Festival on Sunday 21st July. Dark Match will screen at Pigeon Shrine FrightFest on Sunday 25th August.
