A Dark Song (2016) Review – A Brooding Masterpiece Of Occult Horror
A Dark Song: Quick Verdict
The Verdict: A masterfully restrained and deeply atmospheric exercise in ritualistic horror that prioritises psychological weight over cheap thrills. A Dark Song succeeds by rooting its supernatural elements in a grueling, grounded process, making the eventual descent into the ethereal feel earned rather than forced. The film is anchored by two powerhouse performances from Catherine Walker and Steve Oram, whose volatile chemistry creates a constant sense of interpersonal dread. While the deliberate pacing may test the patience of mainstream audiences, the film rewards the attentive viewer with a poignant exploration of grief and forgiveness. It is a 3.8 star standout of modern British and Irish horror that manages to be both viscerally unsettling and unexpectedly beautiful. This is essential viewing for anyone who appreciates the “slow-burn” style of occult storytelling.
Details: Director: Liam Gavin | Cast: Catherine Walker, Steve Oram | Runtime: 1h 40m | Release Date: 2016
Best for: Fans of occult mysteries, slow-burn psychological dramas, and viewers who prefer atmosphere and character depth over traditional jump scares.
Worth noting: The film’s meticulous Abramelin ritual is based on actual historical occult texts, adding a layer of authenticity that heightens the film’s sense of realism.
Where to Watch: Amazon🛒, Shudder, AMC+
Rating: 3.8/5 Stars
(Superb character work, thick atmospheric dread, and a uniquely spiritual payoff.)
Welcome to Knockout Horror. We are off to my home country of Wales today as we take a look at A Dark Song from 2016. Coming by way of Irish-Welsh director Liam Gavin, it is probably fair to say that A Dark Song doesn’t really get the credit it deserves. Let’s take a look.
Table of Contents
An Irish and Welsh collaboration horror
A Dark Song follows the story of Sophia (Catherine Walker), a grieving mother who turns to the occult in a desperate attempt to find some resolution after the death of her son. Renting a large house in rural Wales, Sophia enlists the help of a short-tempered, alcoholic, expert in the occult called Solomon (Steve Oram). Together, the pair begin a months-long ritual to summon Sophia’s guardian angel so that she can make a request to finally put her mind at peace.
This movie is an Irish and Welsh collaboration brought about by director Liam Gavin’s dual citizenship. Born in North Wales to Irish parents, Gavin eventually managed to acquire funding from both countries to make one of the better British Isles horror movies of recent years. While filmed predominantly in Dublin and Wicklow, the movie is set in Wales and features a few references to a bunch of places that are super local to me which is pretty cool to see in a horror movie.
Wales has featured in a number of horror films including the gorgeous, but rather boring, Gwen. It’s a shame the filmmakers didn’t manage to get out and capture more of the Welsh hills as there is some truly breathtaking scenery along the North Wales coast. Still, Ireland is extremely similar and it’s great to see a collaboration between the two Celtic nations.
Slow, tense and brooding
A Dark Song is an extremely slow-moving horror movie that eschews the more modern format of high-octane action and jump scares. Instead opting to drag the viewer into a veritable pressure cooker of tension and unease. For the vast majority of the movie, we are simply voyeurs into the world of Sophia and Solomon as they carefully prepare and complete each different stage of the rite.
We aren’t the victims of randomly placed, obnoxiously loud, bangs or shadows seen in the corners of eyes. We aren’t tasked with furiously background watching. Instead, we are simply asked to observe. Something that is a massive breath of fresh air when it comes to horror. In this day and age of shortened attention spans and desire for results, this movie represents a significant risk.
“A Dark Song is an extremely slow-moving horror movie that eschews the more modern format of high-octane action. Instead, it drags the viewer into a veritable pressure cooker of unease.”
Of course, this wouldn’t work if the movie wasn’t so utterly compelling. A Dark Song is consistently engaging throughout. The solemn purpose for Sophia being at the house and performing the rite is intriguing enough. But her motivations are never fully revealed until later in the movie. Creating a consistent desire to know more about her and know more about her plans. It’s fascinating stuff. It has to be pointed out, however, that the movie is powered by its characters and their interactions.
Extremely dialogue heavy and very character focused
Sophia and Solomon are extremely different people. Sophia is reserved and stoic. Solomon is quick to anger and irrationally reactive. Making for frequent moments of interpersonal tension and explosive arguments between the pair. Liam Gavin has expertly captured the real-life result of two people existing together within a small space with no escape. It’s bad enough that the two have such disparate personalities. But when you add into the mix the motivating factors for them being there; it creates a situation that doesn’t let up for one second when it comes to conflict and unease.
It has to be pointed out that A Dark Song is something of a rarity in the horror world. It is a movie that is legitimately scary and effective but only focuses on two characters. I am actually reminded of movies like The Shining when I watch this. Or, more recently, The Autopsy of Jane Doe which does a similar thing but in a much different way. There’s something very special about horror that manages to do so much with such a small cast.
It works so well here, completely piling on the claustrophobia and making the situation all the more relatable to the viewer. All while, somehow, never getting old. Sophia and Solomon’s relationship is constantly evolving and expanding. Consistently adding to the tension while weaving an intricate story about two very different people coming together for a common goal.
“Liam Gavin has expertly captured the real-life result of two people existing together within a small space with no escape. It’s a character study as much as it is a horror movie.”
It’s as much a character and human relationship study as it is a horror movie. Adding layer upon layer of depth to the story. Again, this is another tremendous risk and shows what a daring filmmaker Liam Gavin truly is. The fact that it works deserves significant praise.
Occult horror with religious themes
Naturally, A Dark Song is going to find an audience in people who enjoy matters of the occult. The keenly observed and researched practices of the rite play out on screen in a way that you might not expect. Unlike From Black that heavily indulges in the actual rites themselves and the immediate results, A Dark Song is far more subtle. We don’t actually see anything taking place. We only see the setup or the result.
It’s almost as if the viewer is there at the start but asked to leave during the middle. Only allowed to return at the end or to take a cheeky look every now and then. It’s a great way of doing things and gives a real sense of struggle as each part of the rite feels taxing and drawn out while never exposing the viewer to the process.
“The ending really ramps up the horror and is genuinely creepy. The movie doesn’t venture into jump scares, but the imagery here is very effective and chilling.”
At its heart, however, A Dark Song is a tale of grief, loss, and finding resolution in the darkest of moments. There are references to faith and belief that never feel too on the nose. And a hint that something ethereal exists beyond what we see around us. Some may be put off by this but, again, it is very subtle. The ending really ramps up the horror and is genuinely creepy and unsettling. Again, the movie doesn’t venture into jump scares. But the imagery here is very effective and, honestly, chilling. It’s not going to scare your pants off but movies like this shouldn’t.
The Good, The Bad & The Ugly
The Good
- The Performances: Oram and Walker are sensational, making a potentially dry two-person script feel explosive and deeply human.
- Atmosphere: The film builds a sense of claustrophobia and impending doom that is palpable, aided by a hauntingly minimalist score.
- Authenticity: The dedication to showing the physical and mental toll of the ritual makes the supernatural stakes feel incredibly high.
The Bad
- Slow Pace: The methodical approach to the narrative will definitely alienate viewers looking for a more traditional, fast-paced horror experience.
- Visual Effects: While the final act is effective, a few of the more overt supernatural visuals may feel slightly less polished than the rest of the film.
- Ambiguous Elements: Some of the earlier supernatural teases remain unexplained, which might frustrate those who prefer concrete narrative resolution.
The Ugly: The “Blood” ritual. The gritty, matter-of-fact presentation of the self-inflicted wounds and physical degradation makes for some truly wince-inducing moments.
Should You Watch A Dark Song?
Yes, without question. It is a 3.8 star gem that deserves a much wider audience. If you can handle the deliberate pacing and heavy dialogue, you are in for a unique horror experience that is as thoughtful as it is terrifying. It is a perfect choice for an October night when you want something that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
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