Out of Darkness Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		3.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		0.0
Overall		3.0

Out of Darkness Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf April 4, 2024

We don’t get many stone age stories on screen these days, giving “Out of Darkness” a bit of distinction as the production examines struggles from long ago, back when the Earth carried tremendous mystery and its inhabitants were fighting to understand their place in the world order. Though listed as a horror film, the endeavor isn’t really built to generate scares. Director Andrew Cumming goes intensely atmospheric instead, attempting to put the audience in the middle of a tribal fight for survival, where the characters are surrounded by pure darkness and unknown predators. “Out of Darkness” isn’t a thrilling sit, as Cumming takes his time with the effort, occasionally getting lost in his own moviemaking vision. But there are layers of storytelling in Ruth Greenberg’s screenplay that hold attention, creating a suspenseful study of feral behavior and survival.

45,000 years ago, Adem (Chuku Modu) is the leader of a small tribe trying to find their way in the world, on the hunt for their own “paradise.” Ave (Iola Evans) is pregnant with his child, struggling to find comfort as the trek and hunger pains become unbearable. Heron (Luna Mwezi) is Adem’s son, remaining curious about the old ways. Odal (Arno Luening) is the elder, determined to prove his worth as a leader. Geirr (Kit Young) is a young hunter trying to find his courage. And Beyah (Safia Oakley-Green) is a “stray,” joining the clan, who need the numbers to ensure survival. When their last stop proved to be disastrous, the family continues their journey through harsh lands, soon coming across evidence that something barbaric is in the area, putting them on edge. When Heron is taken in the night, Adem sets out to find his son, leading the tribe into a forest, where darkness reigns and mysterious sounds promise certain doom for the travelers.

Storytelling traditions drive “Out of Darkness,” which introduces the characters warming themselves by a fire in the middle of the open world. Heron wants to hear tales from the past, of heroism and self-preservation, with Odal taking command of the situation, sharing with the boy (and the audience) the saga of their travels. The tribe previously believed they found a home, reaching unclaimed land to start anew, giving Adem the honor of establishing a place for his people. However, nature rejected such ownership, with the tribal leader hit with brutal weather and lifeless soil, putting Adem and the others back on the trail to find their final destination. “Out of Darkness” is presented in an ancient language, and Greenberg does a capable job creating these characters, identifying their value to Adem and their own insecurities, as Odal fights dismissal due to his age, and Geirr struggles with his position as the next in line for leadership.

Beyah is actually the lead character in “Out of Darkness,” with her status as an outsider making her most desirable to some, as flirtations develop with Geirr. Most importantly, menstruation has commenced for the young woman, putting her into play as a mate, which adds unusual tension to the story, especially when Adem makes his intentions for her clear. Maturation is one of many ideas floating around “Out of Darkness,” but Greenberg fashions something of a plot when Heron is taken, putting the tribe on the hunt to retrieve the boy, facing an enemy they don’t understand. Cumming focuses on sound design and cinematographic efforts, keeping the feature alive with sensorial elements, dialing down drama to live in threatening moments with an enemy that stays in the shadows. It’s unclear what’s after the clan for the first two acts, but viciousness is explored in the discovery of kills, and mystery thickens when Adem decides to enter the forest to find Heron, visiting a forbidden area of certain doom he’s been very careful to avoid.

Out of Darkness Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (2.39:1 aspect ratio) presentation deals with the spare environments of "Out of Darkness," which spends most of the run time in exteriors. The darker depths of the dangerous terrain are preserved, exploring the vastness of the locations as movement goes from mountainous areas to a forest. Detail is strong on skin particulars, examining grimy characters and bloody wounds. Costuming remain fibrous with rougher animal skins. Color stays cooler, examining the grays and whites of protective clothing, while barren landscapes retained their ominous appearance. Forest experiences carry richer greenery, and red blood is distinct. Delineation is mostly satisfactory. Compression issues are periodic, with banding present.

Out of Darkness Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix does well with dialogue exchanges. Performances maintain clarity, working with the special language of the feature, keeping argumentative and hushed conversations balanced. Scoring is defined, with crisp synth wails and driving percussion, helping low-end response. These musical moods do push out into the surrounds, joined by active atmospherics as the characters cross windy terrain and crunchy forests. Movement is inviting, with a circular presence for character stalking and howling winds, which work with panning and separation effects to generate intended suspense. Sound effects are sharp.

Out of Darkness Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

There is no supplementary material on this release.

Out of Darkness Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Out of Darkness" takes its time to develop, creating a somewhat sluggish viewing experience that intermittently finds something dangerous or vicious to explore. Cumming spends a lot of screen time on characters confronting potential dangers, creeping toward conflicts, but the writing is more compelling with growing family unrest, watching these individuals deal with seemingly impossible responsibilities, especially when it comes to survival, which opens them up to new frontiers of shame. There's a final destination for "Out of Darkness," which is welcome, with Cumming able to land the feature in a place of apprehension. And he's committed to personalities and actions, helping "Out of Darkness" locate fascinating displays of response during a slow battle of wills and position.