The Dark Red
Kids say
Based on 1 review
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The Dark Red
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Dark Red is a gripping but tense and often violent horror movie about a woman who claims her baby was stolen by a cult. It has scenes of death and shows dead bodies on screen, as well as bloody wounds from shootings and stabbings, forced surgical procedures outside of a hospital environment, the aftermath of a presumed suicide, and characters consuming raw human flesh. There is some strong language including "f--k" and "f--king." Characters are seen kissing in their underwear with sex implied. There is also mention of mental health issues including schizophrenia and bipolar, and characters are referred to as "delusional" and "crazy." A large percentage of the movie takes place in a psychiatric ward and a character takes prescription drugs. At one point, a child is found shut in a chest and there is mention of the death of a mother and a funeral scene, as well as a passing reference made to divorce. Due to the adult themes and strong violence, the movie is not suitable for younger viewers.
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What's the Story?
In THE DARK RED, Sybil Warren (April Billingsly) is confined to a psychiatric hospital after going through the trauma of "losing" her baby. However, Sybil is adamant that her baby was actually stolen from her by a cult that is determined to drain the infant of its special powers. Sybil must find a way to convince the hospital's Dr. Deluce (Kelsey Scott) that she is well enough to leave so she can locate the cult and save her baby.
Is It Any Good?
Though the framing device of psychological interviews with an unreliable narrator is a tried and tested formula, The Dark Red admirably holds your attention. Director Dan Bush adds his own finesse to create a slightly off-kilter feel to scenes, where memories can appear uncanny and red herrings toy with the narrative flow. Billingsly -- presented with the clichéd long cardigan and unkempt hair of every onscreen psychiatric patient -- makes the role her own and is both compelling and believable despite the seemingly outlandish story she spins.
It is a revenge story at heart, but that revenge is never taken further than necessary -- the violence is bloody, yet never gratuitous. The movie unravels in the tradition of a mystery as much as a thriller or horror. It is not entirely unpredictable, but summons a tense and, at times, frightening atmosphere that will see it chime with teenagers and adults who enjoy a dark, twisted tale.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about The Dark Red's violence. How did you react to it? Do you think the level of violence was appropriate/necessary for the story? What's the impact of media violence on kids?
How scary is the movie? What's most scary about it? What's the appeal of scary movies?
How does the film portray therapy and the role of the psychiatrist within this?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: March 6, 2020
- Cast: April Billingsly, Kelsey Scott, Conal Byrne
- Director: Dan Bush
- Studio: Psychopia Pictures
- Genre: Horror
- Character Strengths: Perseverance
- Run time: 101 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: June 26, 2022
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