Dave Boyle’s Never After Dark starts out as a ghost story before taking some unexpected turns that lead it in a whole new direction. It effectively builds suspense through its inventive script and purposeful editing.
Shōgun star Moeka Hoshi gives a convincing performance as Airi, a psychic who guides spirits to the next world. The haunted former hotel setting inevitably brings The Shining to mind, which was probably one of the inspirations for the film.
The slow-burn pace lets you soak in the atmosphere until things kick into high gear in the third act. Creepy, haunting, and scary, it is a satisfying horror debut for Boyle.
Magnolia Pictures will release Never After Dark in theaters on September 25.
