Cast
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Suzanne Somers
as Clara Hagen / Emily Shepherd
Timothy Busfield
as Clayton Shepherd
Ryan DeBoer
as Chris 'C.J.' Jackson
Meghan Ory
as Jessie Everett
Ben Johnson
as Josh Bradshaw
Tippi Hedren
as Martha Jackson
Martin Sheen
as Ira Everett
Tania Saulnier
as Erica
Juliana Wimbles
as Alice
Jarrod Thalheimer
as Mike
Laura Murdoch
as Josh's Mother
Crew
Director
- Jeffrey Reiner
Writer
- Brendan Hood
- Sean Hood
Producer
- Shawn Williamson
- James Shavick
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Crime/Drama/Horror/Thriller/Mystery/TV Movie film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. The Darklings presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Jeffrey Reiner brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1999, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Darklings took approximately 15 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 92 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 143 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
- The film contains approximately 1937 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1999, when this film was released:
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
Details
- Release Date: February 14, 1999
- Runtime: 1h 32m