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Drama thriller

Darkness Falls (2020): Cast & Ratings

Darkness Falls (2020) movie poster

Darkness Falls is a 2020 drama thriller directed by Julien Seri, starring Lin Shaye as Angela Anderson, Gary Cole and Shawn Ashmore. It runs 1 hour 24 minutes and was made on a reported $25,000 budget. Critics gave it 10% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 3.9/10.

IMDb rating
3.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes
10%
Echo Score
43
budget
$25K
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Darkness Falls (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 24m (84 min)
Director
Julien Seri
Genres
Drama , Thriller , Crime
Original language
English
Budget
$25K
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Darkness Falls About?

The premise of Darkness Falls without spoilers.

While exploring the remote Scottish Highlands, two friends experience a devastating turn when one vanishes unexpectedly. Determined to find her, Jess confronts a treacherous landscape filled with secrets and peril. As she searches, she must question everything and everyone she encounters, discovering a world where deception lurks around every corner and her safety is constantly at risk.

Darkness Falls Themes & Keywords

· 10 tags
  • trek
  • hiking
  • disappearance
  • farmland
  • scotland
  • binoculars
  • camping
  • flask
  • cemetery
  • double cross
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Cast & crew

Darkness Falls Cast & Characters

Lin Shaye leads the cast as Angela Anderson, with Gary Cole as Mark Witver and Shawn Ashmore as Jeff Anderson. Directed by Julien Seri; 13 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Darkness Falls

· 9 more
From the director

More from Julien Seri

More films directed by Julien Seri: Kali: Avenging Angel, Je suis né à 17 ans, Night Fare and Scorpion.

Full filmography
Ratings

Darkness Falls Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Darkness Falls 10% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 3.9/10. Our Echo Score gives it 43/100, strongest in sensory experience (55) and weakest in character & emotion (30).

43 /100

Darkness Falls Echo Score Breakdown

The film’s reliance on familiar horror conventions and underdeveloped elements undermines its creative premise. Reviews cite a thin script that leans heavily on clichés rather than building complexity or genuine suspense. While the tooth fairy concept and occasional visual flair offer moments of intrigue, pacing issues and shallow characterizations detract from sustained engagement. Overall, Darkness Falls presents a stylistic spark amid narrative shortcomings, resulting in a viewing experience that falls short of its potential.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 45

    In terms of cinematography, the film delivers intermittent stylistic appeal through a retro color palette and well-composed shots that evoke its small-town setting. The production design incorporates period details that enhance atmosphere, but inconsistent editing and cheap special effects undermine visual coherence. While certain sequences showcase thoughtful framing, these moments are offset by uneven execution and a lack of polish in several key scenes.

  • Character & Emotion 30

    When it comes to character depth, the film struggles with shallow development and forgettable performances that prevent emotional investment. Reviews highlight paper-thin personalities and uneven acting that fail to generate meaningful chemistry between protagonists. Occasional earnest moments are overshadowed by one-dimensional portrayals and lack of backstory. Ultimately, the film’s character work offers little resonance and detracts from audience engagement.

  • Story & Flow 45

    In terms of story and flow, the film presents an intriguing premise but falls into predictable tropes that hinder originality. The pacing is uneven, with a slow middle section that diminishes suspense before a more dynamic final act. Critics and viewers note an undercooked script that relies on familiar clichés rather than nuanced plotting. Overall, the narrative delivers surface-level thrills but lacks coherent momentum and depth.

  • Sensory Experience 55

    When considering the sensory experience, the film offers occasional highlights in visual and sound design but is uneven overall. Praise centers on a polished soundtrack and well-executed stunt sequences that enhance key moments. However, reviews point out cheap special effects and generic scare tactics that undercut atmospheric tension. Ultimately, the sensory elements provide intermittent engagement but fail to maintain a fully immersive horror experience.

  • Rewatch Factor 40

    In terms of rewatch factor, the film shows limited replay value due to repetitive genre conventions and shallow narrative layers. Viewers note that initial novelty fades quickly, leaving little incentive for multiple viewings. A few users cite nostalgia-driven enjoyment, but overall the dated effects and thin character work diminish lasting appeal. Consequently, the film struggles to offer compelling reasons for revisiting beyond a cursory interest.

Details

Darkness Falls Also Known As

7 alternative titles, including “Anderson Falls” and “С наступлением ночи”.

Also known as
  • Anderson Falls
  • С наступлением ночи
  • 앤더슨 폴스
  • Anderson Falls - Ein Cop am Abgrund
  • החשיכה יורדת
  • 安德森坠落
  • 亡命緝凶

Seen Darkness Falls?

FAQ

Darkness Falls FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, budget, ratings and post-credit scenes of Darkness Falls, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Darkness Falls?

Darkness Falls runs 1 hour 24 minutes (84 minutes).

When was Darkness Falls released?

Darkness Falls was released on June 12, 2020.

Who directed Darkness Falls?

Darkness Falls was directed by Julien Seri.

More films by Julien Seri

Who is in the cast of Darkness Falls?

Darkness Falls stars Lin Shaye as Angela Anderson, Gary Cole as Mark Witver and Shawn Ashmore as Jeff Anderson, among 13 credited actors.

What was the budget of Darkness Falls?

Darkness Falls had a reported budget of $25,000.

How is Darkness Falls rated?

Darkness Falls has 3.9/10 on IMDb, 10% on Rotten Tomatoes, 54% on TMDB and 2.6/5 on Letterboxd.

Does Darkness Falls have a post-credit scene?

No. Darkness Falls has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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