Writer: Jody Wheeler (Screenplay)
Starring: Blaise Embry, Timo Descamps, Sean Paul Lockhart, Eduardo Rioseco, Shannon Day, Andy Copeland, Genevieve Buechner, Allison Lane
Plot: Keegan Dark returns to the heart of California’s wine valley to make peace with his long-estranged family. Instead, he finds a harrowing mystery that endangers his life and those he loves.
There may be spoilers the rest of the review
Verdict: Good Thriller
Story: The Dark Place starts when Keegan Dark (Embry) & his partner Wil (Descamps) return to Keegan’s home a vineyard to see his mother Celeste (Day) only to find she has remarried Adrian (Copeland) and that he has a new step-brother Jake (Lockhart).
Believing there is something wrong about Jake Keegan acts out leading him to be pushed away by his mother, after his mother ends up in a coma Keegan finds himself alone in his investigation to the Bishops who are planning to use the family name to make a fortune.
The Dark Place is a story that for the most part could be a good made for television movie but with the final act it gets the full film feeling. I do think the investigation side of things feel very soft without the intense factor it should have been. Saying all this we do see the overall story of guilt being felt throughout from Keegan and adding in his ability to remember everything gives this an important side. Overall this is everything you would like to see in this style of film ticking all the boxes.
Actor Review
Blaise Embry: Keegan Dark is returning home with his partner to try to rebuild the relationship with his mother. When he discovers his mother has remarried he starts to question his new step-father and step-brother motives, he ends up investigating and discovering the true nature of their relationship. Blaise does a good job in this performance.
Timo Descamps: Wil Roelen is the partner of Keegan who doesn’t believe his suspicions about his new relatives. He tries to support but leaves him only to find himself a pawn in the bigger game. Timo does a good job in this supporting role.
Sean Paul Lockhart: Jake Bishop is the new step-brother who instantly gets hate from Keegan because of incident that happened before he knew who is was. He is a hot head that is the first one to make Keegan think something is going on. Sean gives us a good performance in this role having a constant look of planning.
Eduardo Rioseco: Ernesto Reyes is the old friend who has been helping Keegan’s mother with the legal side of the company, he turns up when anything strange is going on. Eduardo does a good job when he appears in the film.
Support Cast: The Dark Place has a good performing supporting cast that all help the story unfold.
Director Review: Jody Wheeler – Jody gives us a good story that unfolds nicely with twists waiting to happen.
Mystery: The Dark Place gives us a mystery about what is happening with the Bishop family.
Thriller: The Dark Place keeps us guessing to what is happening with the investigation angle.
Settings: The Dark Place uses the settings well without making them all the most important part of the film.
Special Effects: The Dark Place uses the memories for the special effects which all look good.
Suggestion: The Dark Place is one to give a go to, if you like a good crime investigation story you will enjoy this. (Give it a Go)
Best Part: Final act.
Worst Part: The cops come off very stupid.
Believability: No
Chances of Tears: No
Chances of Sequel: No
Post Credits Scene: No
Oscar Chances: No
Runtime: 1 Hour 27 Minutes
Overall: nice thriller that is filled with suspense until the end
Rating