DON’T BE AFRAID OF THE DARK directed by Troy Nixey, written by Guillermo del Toro and Matthew Robbins based on the teleplay by Nigel McKeand, with Bailee Madison, Katie Holmes, Guy Pearce and Jack Thompson. An Alliance Films release. 99 minutes. Opens Friday (August 26). For venues and times, see Movies. Rating: NN
Newly arrived in Rhode Island to stay with her father (Guy Pearce) and his new girlfriend (Katie Holmes), a sullen little girl (Bailee Madison) discovers that the creepy old house they’re all staying in is inhabited by light-sensitive beasties that feed on the teeth of children.
Writer/producer Guillermo del Toro spent a decade and a half trying to remake the 1974 TV movie that freaked out his nine-year-old self, and it’s certainly possible that this version will give youngsters a serious case of the willies.
But the movie proceeds so slowly and awkwardly through its very simple narrative that it’s more silly than suspenseful. This is yet another horror movie where characters stay in a Bad Place beyond any credible point – and director Troy Nixey just isn’t as skilled at sliding between delicate fantasy and chilling horror as del Toro himself.
Read an interview with writer/producer Guillermo del Toro here.
