In Darkness

Director: Anthony Byrne

Writers: Anthony Byrne, Natalie Dormer

Cast: Natalie Dormer, Ed Skrein, Emily Ratajkowski, Joely Richardson, Neil Maskell

Genre: Thriller, Mystery

MPAA: R (for violence, language, and some sexuality/nudity)

Duration: 101 minutes

Release Date: May 25, 2018 (United States); July 6, 2018 (United Kingdom)

Budget: Not publicly disclosed

Rating: Rotten Tomatoes: 47% approval rating; Metacritic: 59/100

About the Movie and Production

"In Darkness" is a 2018 thriller that delves into the life of Sofia McKendrick, a blind pianist entangled in a web of crime and deception following the mysterious death of her neighbor. The film marks a collaborative writing effort between director Anthony Byrne and actress Natalie Dormer, who also takes on the lead role. The supporting cast includes Ed Skrein, Emily Ratajkowski, and Joely Richardson.

Filming primarily took place in London, with notable locations such as Maida Vale, Kensington's Bramham Gardens, Brompton Cemetery, and the National Gallery providing authentic backdrops that enhance the film's atmospheric tension. The movie was distributed by Vertical Entertainment in the United States and Shear Entertainment in the United Kingdom.

Plot Summary and Overview

Sofia McKendrick (Natalie Dormer) is a talented yet blind pianist residing in London. Her life takes a dramatic turn when her upstairs neighbor, Veronique Radic (Emily Ratajkowski), mysteriously falls to her death. Veronique is the daughter of Zoran Radic, a Serbian philanthropist with a concealed history as a war criminal.

Before her death, Veronique discreetly hands Sofia a USB drive, cryptically mentioning "Liquid Gold." This act plunges Sofia into a perilous journey, as she becomes a target for those seeking the drive's sensitive information. As Detective Mills (Neil Maskell) investigates the case, Sofia finds herself ensnared in a complex web involving Radic's criminal activities, his head of security Alexandra Gordon (Joely Richardson), and her enigmatic brother Marc (Ed Skrein).

As the narrative unfolds, Sofia's traumatic past is revealed: her family was massacred by Serbian paramilitaries, with Radic playing a pivotal role. Driven by vengeance, Sofia, who has been feigning blindness, confronts Radic, leading to a climactic confrontation that challenges perceptions and unveils hidden truths.

My Personal Review

"In Darkness" presents a compelling premise, intertwining themes of disability, trauma, and revenge within a thriller framework. Natalie Dormer's portrayal of Sofia is commendable, capturing the nuances of a woman navigating a sighted world while concealing her true abilities. Dormer's performance brings depth to Sofia, portraying her as both vulnerable and formidable.

The film's atmospheric tension is heightened by its London setting, with cinematographer Si Bell effectively utilizing the city's architecture to mirror Sofia's isolation and the looming threats she faces. The musical score by Niall Byrne complements the narrative, using auditory cues to immerse the audience in Sofia's sensory experiences.

However, the film's ambition to deliver multiple twists may detract from its overall coherence. While the revelation of Sofia's feigned blindness adds an intriguing layer, subsequent plot developments risk convoluting the storyline. Some critics have noted that the film "feels like three long seasons of quality television squashed into one savagely overstuffed cinematic piñata."

The supporting cast delivers solid performances, with Ed Skrein's portrayal of Marc adding complexity to his morally ambiguous character. Emily Ratajkowski, though featured briefly, effectively conveys Veronique's enigmatic allure. Joely Richardson embodies the role of Alexandra with a cold, calculating demeanor that underscores the film's themes of betrayal and moral ambiguity.

Despite its strengths, "In Darkness" has faced criticism for certain elements, including scenes of nudity and sexuality that some view as gratuitous. Dormer has defended these choices, stating that such scenes serve to underscore the power dynamics and intimacy between characters.

Conclusion

"In Darkness" is an ambitious thriller that seeks to blend psychological depth with suspenseful storytelling. While it succeeds in creating a tense atmosphere and offers strong performances, particularly from Natalie Dormer, the film's intricate plot and multiple twists may challenge viewers seeking a straightforward narrative. Nevertheless, for audiences interested in thrillers that explore complex characters and moral ambiguities, "In Darkness" provides a thought-provoking cinematic experience.