Don't Turn Out The Lights (2024)

A Gripping Supernatural Horror That Keeps You on Edge

Don't Turn Out the Lights (2024), directed by Andy Fickman, presents a chilling and suspenseful take on the road trip horror genre. Fickman, best known for his family-oriented films, steps into darker territory with this supernatural thriller, proving that he is just as adept at creating tension and fear as he is at crafting lighter fare. Combining the tension of being stranded in the middle of nowhere with eerie supernatural forces, this film offers a mix of suspense, supernatural horror, and intense human drama.

Plot Overview

The story revolves around Olivia (Crystal Lake Evans) and her group of friends—Carrie (Bella DeLong), Sarah (Amber Janea), Gaby (Ana Luz Zambrana), Chris (Daryl Tofa), and Jason (John Bucy), who are on a road trip to a remote music festival in the wilderness. What begins as a fun escape soon turns into a nightmare when their RV breaks down in the middle of nowhere, cutting them off from civilization.

With no phone signal and no way to fix the RV, the group decides to spend the night in their stranded vehicle. As night falls, a sense of unease begins to settle over them. The group begins to experience strange, inexplicable occurrences—sudden movements in the shadows, unsettling noises, and a mysterious presence that seems to be watching them. The more they try to escape, the more they realize they are trapped, not only by their vehicle but also by an unseen, malevolent force that will stop at nothing to claim them.

As the night progresses, paranoia spreads through the group. Trust is tested, relationships are strained, and the group’s survival instincts come into play as they try to find a way out of their terrifying predicament. Their only hope is to confront the dark presence that haunts them, but to do so, they must first face their own deepest fears.

Character Dynamics and Performances

One of the film’s strengths lies in its exploration of the relationships within the group of friends. Each character brings a different dynamic to the story, and as the situation grows increasingly dire, the tensions between them grow. The film delves into how people cope under pressure, revealing the cracks in their personalities. Olivia, the de facto leader, tries to keep everyone calm, but her own fear and uncertainty eventually bubble to the surface. Carrie is skeptical, often mocking the idea of a supernatural presence, while Sarah and Gaby begin to show signs of panic as they realize the seriousness of their situation.

While the ensemble cast delivers solid performances, it is the character development that makes the horror feel more personal. The conflicts between the characters provide emotional weight, making the stakes higher when things go wrong. However, some characters, particularly Jason and Gaby, remain a bit underdeveloped, and their motivations or backstory aren’t fully explored, which can hinder the audience’s emotional investment in their fate.

Crystal Lake Evans, playing Olivia, gives a compelling performance, showcasing both strength and vulnerability as she tries to maintain control over the group. Bella DeLong’s portrayal of Carrie provides a contrasting skeptic voice, which adds to the tension in the group as they argue over whether the threat is real or simply their imagination running wild. The performances help ground the story and elevate the supernatural events into something that feels truly menacing.

Atmosphere and Direction

Fickman excels in creating a sense of claustrophobia and dread. The setting of the RV in the wilderness is the perfect backdrop for this supernatural horror. The isolation of being cut off from civilization heightens the tension, as the characters have nowhere to run. The sound design plays a crucial role in building the film’s eerie atmosphere, with unsettling noises and whispers keeping the audience on edge. The darkness of the night, coupled with the limited light from the RV’s interior, creates a visually foreboding environment.

The pacing is deliberate, allowing the suspense to gradually build. The first half of the film is slow, which gives viewers the chance to settle into the characters’ relationships and the isolated setting. However, once the horror elements take center stage, the film takes a darker and more frantic turn, keeping the audience hooked. Fickman uses moments of silence to create tension, allowing the viewer to anticipate the next supernatural event. The lack of immediate answers about the supernatural presence only adds to the feeling of helplessness that the characters experience.

Supernatural Elements and Horror

What sets Don't Turn Out the Lights apart from other horror films is its effective use of the supernatural. The film doesn’t rely on typical jump scares or gore, but instead focuses on a creeping sense of dread and unease. The malevolent entity that haunts the group is never fully explained, which adds to its terrifying allure. The mystery surrounding the entity—what it is, why it’s targeting them, and whether it is tied to the location or the RV itself—keeps the audience guessing until the final act.

While the creature or force is never fully shown, its presence is felt through shadowy figures, whispers, and flickering lights. Fickman plays with light and dark, making the unseen a greater source of terror. The idea that the group is trapped in the RV with something they cannot see or fully understand makes the horror more psychological than physical. The unknown is often more frightening than what is in plain sight.

Critique and Reception

Don't Turn Out the Lights has received mixed to positive reviews from critics. Many have praised the film’s atmospheric tension and the performances of the cast, particularly Crystal Lake Evans and Bella DeLong. The slow burn approach to horror has garnered a lot of praise for creating a consistent feeling of unease. However, some critics have noted that the film’s pacing can feel too slow at times, especially in the first half, which may deter some viewers looking for quicker thrills. Additionally, while the supernatural elements are intriguing, some feel that they aren’t explored enough, leaving a sense of dissatisfaction at the end.

The film’s lack of clear answers about the supernatural entity has also been a point of contention. While some viewers appreciate the ambiguity, others feel that the lack of explanation leaves too many questions unanswered, which may feel unsatisfying for fans of more traditional horror films with clear-cut villains.

Conclusion

Don't Turn Out the Lights (2024) is a supernatural horror film that thrives on atmosphere, character tension, and psychological terror. While it doesn’t break new ground in terms of its premise, it creates a gripping experience that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Fickman’s direction and the solid performances from the cast make the film more than just a typical horror movie, offering moments of real emotional depth amidst the scares. While it’s not perfect, and the pacing may not be for everyone, those who enjoy atmospheric horror will find much to appreciate in Don't Turn Out the Lights.

For fans of slow-burn horror and supernatural thrillers, Don’t Turn Out the Lights is definitely worth a watch, offering a chilling experience that lingers long after the credits roll.