"Lights Out" review

Originally I was not sold on Lights Out. Director David F. Sandberg's only previous work had been the Lights Out short and I was not sure how well that single scare was going to translate into a feature film. As well, seeing a big name latched on as a producer doesn't mean anything alone, even if it's James Wan. After seeing the film I am happy to report that I was dead wrong.

Like a catchy tune, any James Wan horror flick has a unforgettable hook. Insidious had the Lipstick-Face Demon, The Conjuring has the clapping hands, The Conjuring 2 has the evil nun, and even Saw has Billy the Puppet. Lights Out is no exception with Diana, the photosensitive spirit who appears and disappears with the flick of a switch. Also like any good James Wan horror flick, Sandberg has done a nice job constructing a solid story and mythos around his hook.

The best thing about Lights Out is that it plays more like a family melodrama with elements of horror rather than a straight up horror film, that is until it hits its supernaturally stuffed, predictable final act. It's truly a story about a fractured family learning to accept each member's sins despite their rock history together. It's a relatable premise and the solid performances all around make an investment in these characters and their story worthwhile.

Teresa Palmer (Warm Bodies) does nice work as Rebecca, the rebellious older sister who wants to movie her younger brother Martin (played convincingly by the young Gabriel Bateman) out of the house and away from the emotional wreck that is their mother (played by Maria Bello) after the recent death of their father. Of course Martin is being kept awake at night by the same supernatural experiences Rebecca had as a kid about a dark entity named Diana.

"Who is Diana?" and "Why is she here?" are a couple of the many questions you will ask yourself throughout the film that add to the eeriness of the mystery. The eeriness also translates into the atmosphere thanks to Sandberg's sure hand. Every frame is ripe with frightening potential which is sure to sweat the palms of brave moviegoers. When the scares do happen, they're typically clever as Sandberg sparsely uses his marketed hook. Of course there's the occasional jump in there for good measure.

If I wasn't sold on Lights Out before, I most definitely am now. Sure you can see the ending from a mile away, but you know what they say: it's the journey, not the destination. Lights Out is worth your time.