Movie Review: Don't Be Afraid of the Dark

If you're a fan of horror and dark fantasy, and you haven't heard of Guillermo del Toro, you may just be a hermit. (Not that there's anything wrong with that.) I'm tempted to end the review here by saying: "This is a Del Toro movie. Watch it." But since we're here, I might as well give you some details.

Don't Be Afraid of the Dark tells the story of a cute but creepy little girl named Sally (played by Bailee Madison), when she moves in with her estranged father and his girlfriend Kim (Katie Holmes) who are in the midst of renovating a lovely rustic mansion. The mansion once belonged to a famous painter . . . who went mad. Of course the history of the place is quite a bit more colorful (and gory) than just that, but I bet you already figured that out. And guess what? They all three get to live there while they're working! -- what could possibly go wrong?

It isn't long before Sally hears the walls calling her name, calling her into the basement to play. What's in the basement, you ask? Something that shouldn't exist. Something very hungry, that has been locked away since the house's former caretaker met his untimely end. But I won't spoil it for you.

Don't be Afraid of the Dark is darkly enchanting from start to finish. Those looking for atmosphere will not be disappointed.

More than that, the film focuses plays on the feelings of isolation, frustration, and general disillusionment felt by any child who has gone through having their parents divorce -- and that's where it really shines. We love Sally, but more than that, we feel sorry for her. She's forced into a new home and life, she may just be getting a new "mom," and on top of all that, something in her new home-sweet-home wants to eat her.

There are some fairly creepy moments in this movie, although fans of grittier stuff won't find much to appreciate in the film's more whimsical execution. The only truly disappointing moment in the film comes in the form of a twist at the very end. It isn't that it was contrived. . .just that I had to go online to figure out what it meant!

The movie is Christian safe (as far as horror can be "safe"). Nothing blasphemous. No on-screen sex. Very little swearing. I'm not suggesting you let your six-year-old watch it, (oh God, please, don't) but you'd be hard-pressed to find anything offensive here.

Overall? Watch this movie. You won't regret it.

Overall Score: 5 out of 5