Review — Nightlight 2015
Here’s a surprisingly good movie that most would likely dismiss as an annoying, run-of-the-mill, “teen scream” and I nearly did too! I actually almost turned it off after about 10 minutes when the teenagers were trying my nerves…but, of course, they don’t stick together too long, plus once they’re scared they pretty much cease with the inane drama. What I’m trying to say is that this movie drastically improves as it continues, okay it’s still totally a ‘teen scream’, but as far as I’m concerned, it’s a damn good one.
The movie tells the story of five foolish teenagers who meet up in a supposedly haunted forest to play a “flashlight game” they call ‘Nightlight’. Robin, cute and sweet, but still considered uncool, just wants to be popular. She thought her dreams might be coming true when she was invited to play in the woods with the cool kids by her crush, Ben, but the other girls are bitchy and then things, of course, get much worse. The night takes a predictable turn as the group are separated and scary stuff starts happening, but in a rather refreshing way.
For me, what works best about “Nightlight” is the film’s use of subtle background images, especially when unaccompanied by loud indicating sounds, for example, a sudden musical note or a banging sound, when a frightening image pops up. Instead of always using the stock ‘jump scare’, “Nightlight” will distract the viewer with dialogue, whilst in the background, there may be a face, or a shadow, or some other creepy imagery. This is something that the audience could easily miss, but if you catch it, I say it’s pretty effective. I have never had high standards when it comes to acting, but I’d say the acting was just fine, especially once the movie really gets going. Another one of my favourite aspects of “Nightlight” is the way that much of the film is shot essentially from the point of view of a flashlight. Given that the movie takes place in the woods at night, this allows the viewer full visibility while reminding you that they are still surrounded by darkness. I just thought that was a pretty creative idea and I feel it worked very well. I also really liked all the explanation of the background of the woods and how it is said to affect it’s victims.
Essentially, “Nightlight” is your typical teen scream with refreshing and effective details, I certainly enjoyed it.
