Beyond Dark Dreams

Director - Joseph Russio

Starring - Fred Adams (Gore Orphanage), Hannah S. Black, and Jennifer DiBlasio (Massacre Academy, Steel-Man)

Release Date - 2021

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "The scariest part is that you're awake"

Format - DVD (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I never know what is going to show up in the mail box but sometimes I get something I was never expecting and it straight up knocks my socks off.  Yea, I'm in my mid-30s and said knock my socks off.  Anyway, sometime ago my friend over a Nekroshark hit me up with a press release for the upcoming indie horror flick Beyond Dark Dreams from director Joseph Russio.  I really liked the poster for the film and how it aid tribute to the classic Italian horror cinema.  A few weeks later I was surprised to find a copy of the film at home waiting for me after work.  I couldn't wait to dig into it so after spinning Demented I decided it was time to give it a go.  Thanks Maddie for sending this one over!

     The film follows a young man who finds himself exploring his old home where he uncovers a mysterious drug.  Just like anyone with some sense, he tries the drug out to open up his imagination and soon falls victim to it's illicit hallucinations that lead to bloodshed.

     Beyond Dark Dreams really pulled me in with the trailer and poster.  I was concerned that the film would throw everything at me in the trailer leaving a bland and unoriginal film.  That was not the case.  Beyond Dark Dreams is one of the most impressive indie productions I had seen for some time.  I really enjoyed it and look forward to what Russio brings us in the future.  The acting in this one is a little different than most indie productions.  The film relies heavily on that gothic imagery and the cast does a fantastic job at creating characters you would find in classic horror titles.  The cast is great and their performances really adds to the film.  The story for this one is a modern twist of Italian cinema, specifically the works of Dario Argento.  The movie combines beautiful cinematography and imagery with the scene to create a film that not only looks great but creates great atmosphere tension.  I really enjoyed the simplicity of the story and how it it was approached.  It doesn't overcomplicate things.  Instead, it pulls the beautiful camera work with the straight forward story to create something that I rarely get to see as a film critic.  Finally, the film has some seriously fun practical effects and is not afraid of showing the red stuff.  I really enjoyed the blood here and the practical effects.  It adds just another layer to the overall film that I really enjoyed.  Overall, Beyond Dark Dreams is a beautiful piece of indie horror cinema.  Every scene is absolutely gorgeous and the story works with it to create something very few films can.  This is one you will not want to skip on.  Check it out.