LIGHT'S OUT (2016)

Directed By: David F. Sandberg 
Written By: Eric Heisserer 
Based on the original short film by David F. Sandberg 
Cinematography By: Marc Spicer 
Editor: Michael Aller & Kirk M. Morri 


Cast: Teresa Palmer, Maria Bello, Billy Burke, Gabriel Bateman, Alexander DiPersia 


A man called Paul is working after hours and is murdered by a supernatural entity in the shadow. When his son, the boy Martin, is frightened by the same creature, he sees his mother Sophie talking to an imaginary friend called Diana in the shadow of her room. Martin does not sleep anymore during the night. His older step sister Rebecca who lives alone is summoned by the social assistant. She brings Martin home and recalls her own experience with Diana years ago when she was young. Rebecca and her boyfriend Bret investigate the connection of Sophie with Diana and come up to a scary revelation about their past.


This film is all about jump scares. Sure it was a successful short that struggles as a feature film. As the trailer for the film seems to let you know all you need to, as it is the most entertaining part. So for as trailers used to go in only showing the best scenes or telling you the whole movie. The trailer is the best part as it defines the story or the really interesting part of it.

The only thing of note is that the ending is quite surprising.

At least the film tries to sue natural lighting as well as practical effects over CGI for most of the film.

Teresa Palmer is very attractive, so if you want to be lead easily by pretty girls into bad things this movie is for you. as her performance is satisfactory for the material. Which isn’t that top notch to begin with.

The film offers her as a tougher final girl. Though a final girl who still seems more like she is cool and savvy only because the film says so. She never comes off as natural in her pursuits, interests or decisions.

There are very few deaths. So the Death count is low, The threats are many throughout making you think something is going to happen but rarely does. To offer broken promises as we wait and suspect. Only to be disappointed. Every time a new member of the cast is added you know they are there to up the death quotient.

It seems all the characters keep turning or switching lights on and off. More than any situation or movie I have ever seen. Which could be it’s own drinking game for viewers but by the end of the film you might have alcohol poisoning.

This is more of a studio blockbuster blend and bland because of it. As it offers nothing new or any insight. it just seems more paint by numbers that might have seemed like something special more in the 80’s and 90’s but watching it now. It feels more familiar than anything.

Maria Bello's character has a interesting dramatic arc that should help the film but once all is revealed feels stupid and like the filmmakers dropped the ball on something that could have been strong and the backbone of the film. As Ms. Bello really sells it. She also adds the darkness and human element to the film. That at least makes it seem more a tragedy and makes the audience feel something. One only wishes the film could match her performance.

The film doesn't Feel fresh it feels stationary. Like not farm fresh it like rations you would get in the army to keeps costs down and keep meals simple and not extravagant. So that it kills any excitement and once you see anything else makes you remember that this is just satisfactory or below it. Though this film is fine if you aren't looking or asking. For much.

Grade: D