We Summon the Darkness
I grew up in the heavy metal scene. Even before I knew what mental health was or how vital it was to my everyday life. Metal music, breakdowns, mosh pits - the entire culture was a mental escape for me. You know that feeling when you find the right girl or guy for you? You love them so much that you devote yourselves to them - even without a ring. That depth of devotion is entirely uncompromising. That's how I was when it came to metal music. I was a total snob when it came to what I liked. Lyrics and vocals were everything to me. I guess in some parts, even outside of the metal genre now, that's still how I am.
Music is the connection between the artist and the listener. Similar to how some movies can be. When I listen to a song, I ache for that connection. Music is the reason that I'm still alive. I thought long and hard, at one point, about suicide. One night while I was in my room - I felt that connection to something deeper, something spiritual. Music was what connected me to the friend I had which took his life in 2009. Music was how I coped with the loss. Again, all this being heavy. I, honestly, have to laugh when someone tells me they don't understand how or why I listen to this type of music. In some ways for me, it's therapy. In others, it's worship. In most, it's about connection.
One of the biggest misconceptions I get through is the devil worship or conjuring of demons. People think just because they can't understand what the singer is saying that in some ways, it's them conjuring demons or summoning the devil. Personally, a lot of the heavy music I listen to is actually Christian. *laughs awkwardly* So, yeah, that's a thing. That's really what you can see echo throughout the movie, We Summon the Darkness. The film follows three young female rockers who give 3 young gents a bit more than they came to bargain for. The movie's tone exists somewhere between comedy and horror. Honestly, that's the biggest blessing and curse of this movie.
The blocking is a bit hard to follow at times. Its' extremist approach to the genres is incredibly frustrating. When it comes to its horror approach, it stays within the genre for an extended period. Which is nice as a viewer, at least it knows what it wants. Or does it? Something will come along and break the tension of the horror and the tone slips into comedy. It will stay in that comedic headspace for 10 to 15 minutes before returning to horror. There is no balance really. While it does make for a fun viewing experience. It's equally as frustrating because of an inconsistent tone.
Where other films might fail with its genre approach to the storytelling, Darkness keeps the energy lively. That's largely due to the leading actresses in Maddie Hasson and Alexandra Daddrio. Both showcase a wide range of charismatic, manic and untapped energy. This might be the best we've ever seen these actresses. The chemistry between the two actresses is seamless between one another. They are truly a match made in heaven. Then you have the rest of the cast. The boys within this movie just feel subpar. They are extraordinarily one-note, acting as the "final girl" trope of horror. However, given the fact the film switches the roles. What could have been a bland element is now a refreshing take on a tired tradition.
Overall, We Summon the Darkness, definitely summons entertainment. Even if it can't summon perfection. The film is a fun ride from start to finish that will continuously take audiences on a ride of twists and turns. Its' refreshing approach to traditional horror tropes makes this a beautiful viewing experience. While the film does suffer from bland characters and an extremist approach in different genres - is made alive by its leading ladies. The electric charisma of Alexandra Daddrio and Maddie Hasson make this a thrill ride that never stops. Even when you think you know how it ends - the script throws you for a loop. Crank it loud and rock out because We Summon the Darkness is a blast.
RORSCHACH RATING:
If you or someone you know is reading this right now and you are struggling with suicide, depression, addiction, or self-harm - please reach out. Comment, message or tweet to us. Go to victimsandvillains.net/hope for more resources. Call the suicide lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Text "HELP" to 741-741. There is hope & you DO have so much value and worth!
Victims and Villains is written and produced by Josh "Captain Nostalgia" Burkey. Music by Yuriy Bespalov & Beggars. We Summon the Darkness is property of Saban Films. We do not own nor claim any rights.
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