Review of Hold the Dark (2018) by Wukasz — 20 Oct 2018

This film has very few things that made me watch it until the end.

I've started watching it on a train journey. If I had a choice of another film, I'd turn this off after the first 15 minutes, at which point I've realized that the plot is going nowhere interesting, acting is subpar and the kinematographs characteristic of the films set in a beautiful, natural setting are replaced with dark, confusing scenes in which the viewer learns nothing.

I pressed on. The storyline continued to be awful. We are treated with scenes that at first glance appear like they are going to add to some slowly resolving, clever plot, but you'd be disappointed if you expected anything but more confusing scenes down the line that not only add nothing but are actually dull to watch.

The bits where I was actually captivated were the few snippets of action, but that to me only highlights how mindless I found the entire experience.

At the end of the film, it's implied that we ought to have found some resolution and understanding of the film, but I have no idea how anyone would expect anyone to put together a picture from this scattered missing pieces jigsaw puzzle of a plot. I have a weakness for the stunning scenery, but even that was kind of neglected. There was very little in a way of shots of the eerie, wonderful world surrounding the events of the film, but it appeared in the background, teasing greater exposure. I remember watching the Hateful Eight and enjoying the drowned out moments where the setting is exposed for us to enjoy in its slow transformation.

Overall I was not only disappointed, but I was also bored and frustrated. Awful film, watch something else.