The Midnight Horror: 'Darkness Reigns' (2018)

After enduring three abysmal horror flicks, I was cautiously optimistic about Darkness Reigns. The DVD jacket boasted some intriguing stills, and I was thrilled to see Casper Van Dien on the cast list—yes, the very same from Starship Troopers. There was even a glowing endorsement that read, “It's FUN, GORY as Hell and SOLID THROUGHOUT,” from a site called BLOODVIOLENCEANDBABES.COM. Why didn’t I hyperlink to that glorious bastion of horror? Because it’s vanished like a ghost, and its Facebook page has gathered more cobwebs than comments since 2024. If I had to guess, they’ve moved on from the macabre for reasons unknown.

So, after finally watching the film, I can only assume whoever wrote that blurb must have been a few beers deep. While I’ll concede there’s a smattering of gore, “fun” feels like a stretch. If anything, this movie trumps the last three I suffered through, which is why it’s finally getting a rating from me—an unexpected victory in a desert of mediocrity!

Here’s the lowdown on the plot: A motley crew of filmmakers decides it’s a grand idea to shoot a behind-the-scenes documentary in a hotel that’s rumored to be haunted. Ignoring all sense and reason, they encounter an unfathomable demonic force that takes pleasure in possessing and tormenting both the cast and crew—including the illustrious Casper Van Dien. Will our earnest film director manage to escape with the paranormal proof he has captured, or will he succumb to the hellish whims of the demon lurking in the shadows, ultimately paying the ultimate price?

I have to hand it to them—the plot isn’t entirely moronic; in fact, I find it somewhat intriguing. Van Dien plays himself, featuring as the star caught up in this supernatural shenanigan, set in a haunted hotel in Missouri, no less. As someone who hails from the Show-Me State, it’s nice to see a film shot in my neck of the woods—hats off, Darkness Reigns. Unfortunately, Van Dien appears to be the sole shining star in a sky full of dim bulbs, and his role is painfully cut short, save for a fleeting, haunting moment toward the end that barely qualifies as a cameo.

Writer and director Andrew P. Jones had ambitions of crafting a quality horror film, but it’s clear that the budget left them grasping for straws. You can see the effort glimmering beneath the surface, but the execution just can’t match the ambition. There are a few decent kills—always a plus in any horror flick—and some satisfying gore effects to boot, but that’s where the excitement fizzles out. The storyline held promise, but it feels like Jones tried to juggle too many ideas with too few resources and ended up dropping the ball spectacularly.

In summary, it’s far from the worst film I’ve ever seen. There are snippets of entertainment sprinkled throughout, some even boasting a generous dollop of gore. So, if you’re feeling brave, give it a whirl—just temper your expectations. If you want to support future reviews on this blog, consider snagging Darkness Reigns on DVD. Every penny counts towards my quest for cinematic salvation. Believe it or not, I’m actually recommending this film, and that’s saying something! ╌★★✰✰✰

〜B.J. Burgess