I, like many others, utilize the subscription-based streaming service, Amazon Prime. While scrolling through the app one dull evening, I was reminded of the film My Friend Dahmer. I have a self-admitted obsession with serial killers. I know a lot of people say that, but don’t check my search history. I’m one of the weirdos that’ll go as far as bidding on their cell drawings in underground auction sites. So now that we’ve got that out of the way, why wouldn’t I want to see what Dahmer was like in High School?
Dahmer intrigued me for various reasons though. I’m a fan of pretty much anything Alex Wolff. I’m not sure why, but that dude just knows how to sell a scene. I’d later find out that he and Meyers have collaborated a few times, so we’re off to a good start. I also liked the inclusion of Ross Lynch. While I wasn’t familiar with Ross’ work prior to the film, I like it when Disney stars go dark. If it worked for Spring Breakers then why can’t it work here, right?
The film itself is beautifully shot, and while it didn’t leave a huge impression on me that night, I was definitely thinking about it all week. I even went back and watched a few scenes just to make sure I didn’t miss anything. Regardless of my initial opinions, Marc Meyers was now on my radar, and I didn’t have to wait long for his next project to drop.
We Summon the Darkness is everything Fangoria wanted to do with Satanic Panic but couldn’t. Without Meyers behind the reins, it would be hard to deliver the same love and care that we see throughout this film. Darkness has a solid nostalgia-fueled narrative and it looked good telling it. While talking with Marc it was easy to recognize that a lot of his success comes from pre-production and his acute attention to detail. Sure, he gives props to his team, but I noticed the conversation would typically circle back to serious pre-planning. I think this is what ultimately not only sets the film, but Marc as well, above the pack.
On the way to a heavy metal concert, Alexis and two girlfriends hear a news report of a local murder believed to be tied to a series of satanic killings. After the show, the girls invite three guys to join them at the estate owned by Alexis’s father, a fire-and-brimstone preacher (Johnny Knoxville). What starts as a party suddenly turns dark and deadly in this devilishly entertaining thriller.
The film stars Alexandra Daddario (Baywatch, San Andreas), Johnny Knoxville (Bad Grandpa, Jackass), Keean Johnson (Midway), Maddie Hasson ("Impulse"), Logan Miller (Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse), Amy Forsyth (Hell Fest) and Austin Swift (Live by Night). The film is directed by Marc Meyers (My Friend Dahmer) from a script by Alan Trezza (Burying the Ex).
Saban Films will release the horror/thriller We Summon the Darkness on VOD and Digital HD on April 10, 2020.
Jessie Hobson