They Wait in the Dark is a 2022 horror thriller directed by Patrick Rea. The movie follows the story of a mother, Amy, and her son, Adrian, as they run away from Amy’s abusive ex-girlfriend Judith. To escape Judith, they try to find shelter in a farmhouse once owned by Amy’s family. Unfortunately for them, a powerful supernatural creature, which is connected to Amy’s past, sanders the house. This movie addresses social issues such as abuse, trauma, and the impact of unresolved matters. It was released for digital streaming on February 7, 2023.

Plot Overview

Adrian and Amy have been running away from Judith, who has developed a more aggressive version of her abusive behavior. They decide to take refuge in a decaying farmhouse that belonged to Amy’s family and has not been used since her father’s death. After settling in, the pair begins to notice bizarre phenomena that hints the house is possessed by a vengeful spirit. To save herself and her son from the spirit and Judith’s wrath, Amy must face her past and deal with the countless secrets that lie in her traumatic childhood.

Character Descriptions

• Amy (Sarah McGuire): A mother suppressing every single memory of her abusive marriage while trying to protect her son. All danger looms from the abusive ex-partner with whom she shares a son.
• Adrian (Patrick McGee): He is Amy’s youngest adopted son. He has a maturity that exceeds the required level for his age, and he demonstrates resiliency when confronting the dangers that come forth.
• Judith (Laurie Catherine Winkel): Amy’s ex-girlfriend. Judith’s obsessive and abusive nature makes her a real-life danger to both Amy and Adrian, as she relentlessly hunts them down.

Themes and Style

The film focuses on the harsh effects of domestic violence, and its psychological repercussions through the lens of past trauma. It mixes supernatural horrors with real-life fears, which makes for a suspenseful atmosphere. The storyline is slow-paced and builds tension as the characters’ pasts are disclosed. Although the movie sets an interesting premise, some audiences believe that certain plot twists and character motivations are indeed present, but are illogical or insufficiently elaborated.

Conclusion

They Wait in the Dark is a unique blend of psychological drama and supernatural horror that examines the multifaceted nature of abuse and the void left by the past. Unlike traditional horror films, the slower pacing and non-conventional methods of storytelling may not sit well with horror aficionados. However, the film attempts to challenge the viewers of the genre by showcasing the terrifying outcomes of human relations in contrast to the supernatural.