Dark Mirror Movie Review

Reviewed by Rhiannon Benedict

“Dark Mirror” strives to be a classic thriller, and it very nearly succeeds. With the exception of a few slightly over-done blood and gore scenes, it takes the high road and much of the thrill is in what you think you see. As rare as this is these days, the effort to make an intelligent horror is definitely appreciated.

The difficulty with “Dark Mirror” lies in the script, not in the execution. Where the script shines, cast and crew prove their talents by making the most of it. There are some outstanding sequences in the film. Unfortunately, there are plot holes all over the place, and some painfully expositional scenes that should have been handled more artfully. In the “Behind the Scenes” special feature, it is revealed that some of the funding fell out at the last minute, forcing script changes. Perhaps this is at the heart of the problem, but it’s disappointing nonetheless when potential isn’t fulfilled. The inexperience of this production crew becomes obvious, unfortunately. Somehow neither the natural nor the supernatural aspects are quite believable.

The premise is certainly interesting. A young woman, increasingly at a loss for a clear self-identity, becomes reluctant to relocate to a new city when her husband’s business demands it. An aspiring photographer, a wife, a mother, a homemaker – Deborah is pulled in many directions and feels tremendous guilt and self-abasement when she isn’t able to keep everything in perfect balance. Her world is rapidly becoming smaller. Mysteriously drawn to a new house sparkling and flashing with an overabundance of glass and mirrors, she unexpectedly seizes it as home as if it is her only source of light in her life. Uncomfortable in her new life, she wraps herself in the security of her home. The smaller her world becomes, the more lost and powerless she feels.

She becomes obsessed with the identity of previous owners of the house, a minorly famous painter whose entire family mysteriously disappeared. The deeper she delves into their lives, the less she is able to cope in her own life. The further she takes her obsession with the house and the previous owners, the further she withdraws from reality. Mysterious people and inexplicable events fill her days. Stifled by her self-expectations, she grasps onto the mystery as though solving it will release her own demons.

Occasionally confusing, but strong in performances, this is an enjoyable if not ultimately satisfying watch.