Amy (Sarah McGuire) is on the road with her adopted son, Adrian (Patrick McGee). They’re heading towards Amy’s former home, now hers, following her father’s death. They are fleeing Amy’s ex, Judith (Laurie Catherine Winkel), who left Amy with a knife wound in her side. With help from her old school friend, Jenny (Paige Maria), she looks to be getting her life together, but Judith isn’t the only thing from her past that she has to fear…
Tautly written and directed by Patrick Rea (I am Lisa), They Wait in the Dark is an always twisting, raw tale that blends mounting dread, be it from demented partners or vengeful spectres. Amy’s early life is explored in flashbacks that gradually reveal secrets and flesh the story well. Her past is full of abusive elements, be it from her mother or partner, and obviously, this has an effect on her. There’s no denying that she is desperate to save her child, and she’s certainly pushed to the limits. The patient way that Rea drip-feeds the audience what they need to know is impressive and certainly leaves the viewer questioning their feelings. He also avoids the usual pitfalls of low-budget filmmaking with the help of his cast (even the youngster McGee puts in a great performance) and his dialogue. It’s naturalistic even when building to the fantastical elements. Hanuman Brown-Eagle’s cinematography plays a big part in selling the story, as does the impressive sound design.
Punching well above its weight, They Wait in the Dark is well worth checking out.
They Wait in the Dark is out on digital platforms from November 13th.
