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The Dark Red
By Kat Halstead,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Tense psychological thriller has violent horror elements.
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The Dark Red
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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
- Inclusion Information: Black actors
- Studio: Psychopia Pictures
- Genre: Horror
- Character Strengths: Perseverance
- Run time: 101 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: June 20, 2023
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