Don’t Turn Out the Lights – Movie Review (4/5)

DON’T TURN OUT THE LIGHTS is a new horror movie that feels like a mosaic of iconic horror movie subgenres and niches. In a very good way. Also, the casting is spot-on for this one. Read our full Don’t Turn Out the Lights movie review here!

DON’T TURN OUT THE LIGHTS is a horror movie inspired by real events the director experienced while in High School. This isn’t a true story in itself, but rather based on experiencing something that you cannot explain or let go of.

I had no idea what to expect really, but this movie continued to grow on me. Before pressing play on the screener, I was pretty much convinced that the runtime of 1 hour and 49 minutes would surely be too long. It was not!

Continue reading our Don’t Turn Out the Lights movie review below. Find it on VOD and digital from September 6, 2024.

Deliciously creepy and ever-evolving

In Don’t Turn Out the Lights, we meet a group of friends as they embark on a road trip. They’re heading to a music festival, and they are drinking, smoking, and popping everything in sight. Some more than others.

Hey, it’s a party and they’re on Spring Break with their High School friends, who they haven’t seen while away at college.

Unfortunately, being inebriated, they are even more oblivious to the supernatural horrors that they will soon encounter. The busted-up, but fully functioning old RV, becomes both their safe haven and prison.

A mosaic of horror subgenres

What I really enjoyed about Don’t Turn Out the Lights (other than the strong performances from the cast) was how the story continued to evolve. Sure, we’re used to the whole road trip beginning that ends with something brutal and deadly.

From Texas Chainsaw Massacre to The Hills Have Eyes and many other iconic horror movies.

However, for me, Don’t Turn Out the Lights went further. It began with the whole “Meet the characters as they head out on a fun road trip” and then we meet rednecks and racists. So far, very classic and “normal” for a horror movie.

Then things start to change as the real dangers appear more supernatural. There’s talk of urban legends as they try to find an explanation, and they also do their damndest to fight back. The problem is, they don’t know what they’re up against.

Watch Don’t Turn Out the Lights on VOD

This new horror movie comes from writer-director Andy Fickman. Previously, he’s directed Heathers: The Musical, Race to Witch Mountain, and Reefer Madness.

This is his most personal movie yet as it’s inspired by real-life events he had himself. Over the runtime of 109 minutes, you will experience various kinds of horror. Whatever you find the most creepy, it will probably be in this one!

MORE FROM ANDY FICKMAN

He also produced one of my very favorite horror-comedies >

The stars of this new little horror gem are Bella DeLong, Amber Janea, Ana Luz Zambrana, John Bucy, Jarrett Austin Brown, Daryl Tofa, and Crystal Lake Evans. Yes, her name is actually “Crystal Lake”.

Talk about a name tailor-made for horror!

Every single one of them brings something unique to the table. The dialogue is crisp and organic, which means you recognize them as real people. Not stereotypical characters.

Pretty much everything about this movie makes it recommendable, so be sure to check it out.

Don’t Turn Out the Lights is out on VOD and digital on September 6, 2024.

Details

Writer & Director: Andy Fickman
Cast: Bella DeLong, Amber Janea, Ana Luz Zambrana, John Bucy, Crystal Lake Evans, Jarrett Austin Brown, Daryl Tofa, and Finley Rose Slater