Review of Lights Out (2016) by Miranda Z — 28 Mar 2018
Not very scary and few (if any) surprises. However, I'm really digging this recent horror trend of a niche focus, like a single sense (sight, sound - 'A Quiet Place'). Anything that encourages a more interesting approach in a genre sorely lacking in creativity is good by me!
Unfortunately, the premise of 'Lights Out' is pretty difficult to sustain. The clear solution to the protagonists' predicament is to keep the lights on all the time. However, it still needs to be a horror movie, so Diana is given the ability to affect lights (though I may be assuming this incorrectly). Given this, shouldn't the protagonists never be safe? On the other hand, the power outage does suggest that ultimately, nowhere is safe. Still, the power of light is ill-defined as it's unclear whether a candle (which illuminates the holder but casts shadows) would be equally protective as a torch (no self-protection but few shadows). This aspect would probably be better as a game mechanic, really!
Of course, horror movies are almost always metaphors for something so I perhaps shouldn't be too harsh. On that note, I would love to write a short paper on that or something.
This review of Lights Out (2016) was written by Miranda Z on 28 Mar 2018.
Lights Out has generally received positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
