DarkGame (2024) is a British crime thriller directed by Howard J. Ford, known for his work on The Dead and The Survivalist. The film delves into the dark web's sinister side, presenting a chilling narrative that intertwines technology, crime, and human survival instincts.
🎬 Plot Summary
Set in Portland, Oregon, DarkGame follows Detective Ben Jacobs (Ed Westwick), who is thrust into a race against time to rescue captives from a sadistic game show streamed live on the dark web. Participants are forced to play deadly games, with the losers executed on live broadcast. As the investigation unfolds, Jacobs faces mounting pressure from both the public and his own team, all while the masked host manipulates events for higher ratings.
🎭 Cast
-
Ed Westwick as Detective Ben Jacobs
-
Andrew P. Stephen as The Presenter
-
Rose Reynolds as Lisa Jacobs
-
Natalya Tsvetkova as Katia
-
Lola Wayne as Cathy
-
Rory Alexander as Parker
-
Joe Urquhart as Sam
-
Anthony Ofoegbu as Captain Larson
-
Marc Danbury as Agent Jackson
-
Rick Yale as Larch
📝 Reception
The film holds a 34% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with a 42% audience score on Flixster, indicating a mixed reception. Critics have noted the film's visual appeal and noirish cinematography, while some viewers felt it lacked originality and depth. One reviewer described it as a "tedious knock-off of popular horror flick Saw," delivered on a micro-budget with no new ideas.
📺 Where to Watch
DarkGame is available for streaming on Plex and can be purchased or rented on platforms like Amazon, Vudu, and Apple TV.
⚠️ Content Advisory
The film contains strong violence, including shootings, stabbings, and hangings, all depicted in detail. There are also scenes of suicide and self-harm, along with flashing lights that may affect viewers with photosensitive epilepsy. The language includes frequent strong language and occasional strong sex references.
🧠 Final Thoughts
DarkGame offers a gritty exploration of the dark web's potential for exploitation and entertainment. While it may not break new ground in the thriller genre, it provides a tense and suspenseful experience for viewers interested in psychological crime dramas. The performances, particularly by Ed Westwick and Andrew P. Stephen, add depth to the narrative, making it a film worth considering for fans of the genre.
