In the realm of action-packed, post-apocalyptic thrillers, Against the Dark (2009) stands out as a low-budget film that attempts to blend the harshness of dystopian survival with supernatural horror. Directed by Richard Crudo, this film, starring the renowned Steven Seagal, follows a tale of survival, brutal combat, and the ever-looming shadow of a world consumed by a deadly, disease-infected apocalypse. As we delve deeper into the plot, characters, and elements of this movie, we will unpack its strengths, weaknesses, and the overall experience it provides to its audience.

IMDb Rating: 3.1/10 – What Does This Tell Us?

With a rather low IMDb rating of 3.1/10, Against the Dark has garnered a reputation for being somewhat of a cult movie in the horror-action genre. The rating itself reflects mixed to poor reviews from viewers, many of whom found the film lacking in various aspects such as pacing, plot development, and even the action sequences that one might expect from a film featuring Steven Seagal.

The low rating could also be attributed to the film’s low-budget nature, which often leads to compromises in production values, visual effects, and overall execution. However, for those with a penchant for cheesy post-apocalyptic survival films, this movie can still offer a degree of enjoyment.

Genre: Action, Fantasy, Horror – The Blend of Thrills

The movie belongs to the genres of action, fantasy, and horror, which is reflected in its plot and the overall atmosphere. The action sequences are fast-paced and gritty, characteristic of the style that Seagal is known for. Fantasy elements are introduced through the apocalyptic setting and the zombies, infected by a deadly disease, adding a supernatural twist to the narrative. Lastly, the horror aspects come into play through the relentless pursuit of the survivors by these infected beings, creating an atmosphere of tension and dread throughout the film.

Director Richard Crudo: A Look Behind the Camera

Richard Crudo, primarily known for his work as a cinematographer, took on the role of director in Against the Dark. His previous work in the film industry, particularly his camera work, was well-regarded, but directing a full feature film presented a different challenge. Crudo’s direction in Against the Dark can be described as functional but not extraordinary. The film suffers from pacing issues, and the action sequences, though brutal, lack the polish one would expect from a seasoned action director. The film’s cinematography, however, is competent, capturing the dark, grim atmosphere of the post-apocalyptic world effectively.

Release Date: February 10, 2009 – A Late-2000s Entry

Released on February 10, 2009, Against the Dark was one of the many direct-to-DVD films of the late 2000s. The post-apocalyptic genre was popular around this time, with films like I Am Legend (2007) and The Road (2009) already gaining traction. However, Against the Dark failed to capture the same critical acclaim and mass audience attention. Instead, it carved out a niche in the action-horror genre for those seeking something more low-budget and cheesy, a film to watch for its campy thrills rather than its depth or cinematic quality.

Star Cast: Steven Seagal and the Team

The cast of Against the Dark includes some familiar faces, though it’s Steven Seagal who takes center stage. Known for his roles in martial arts action films, Seagal’s presence in this post-apocalyptic thriller adds a level of star power, albeit one that doesn’t quite elevate the film. Seagal plays Tao, the master swordsman, and he brings his signature stoic presence to the role. However, his performance, while physically imposing, falls flat in terms of emotional depth and engagement with the audience.

Supporting Seagal are Tanoai Reed, Jenna Harrison, and several other actors who take on the roles of ex-military vigilantes. Reed, best known for his stunt work and as a Seagal double, offers some strong physicality in his role but is limited by the material. Jenna Harrison’s performance as one of the survivors trapped in the hospital is a standard fare for the genre, offering little more than the role of a damsel in distress.

Movie Story: A Desperate Mission in a Decimated World

Set in a post-apocalyptic world, Against the Dark centers around a master swordsman named Tao (played by Seagal) who leads a team of ex-military vigilantes on a rescue mission. The team is tasked with entering a hospital where survivors are trapped, besieged by bloodthirsty, disease-infected humans. The infected, who are essentially zombies, add a horror element to the action, as the vigilantes must battle not only the infected but also the dwindling resources and time.

The film’s narrative is fairly straightforward: Tao and his team fight their way through the hospital, dealing with infected creatures and trying to save those who remain trapped. The tension builds as the survivors’ chances of escape grow slimmer, and Tao must rely on his martial arts skills to take down the infected in a series of action-packed, but often repetitive, sequences.

Despite the basic plot, the movie manages to inject some moments of suspense and gore, keeping the viewer engaged even when the overall execution is lackluster. The zombies, infected by an unknown disease, are not your typical slow-moving undead. They are fast, vicious, and relentless, which creates a sense of urgency for the survivors trying to evade their grasp. However, the film struggles with its pacing, often dragging through long stretches of dialogue and exposition before getting to the next action scene.

Themes: Survival, Humanity, and the Cost of Sacrifice

At its core, Against the Dark is a story about survival in a world where humanity is on the brink of extinction. The survivors trapped in the hospital, along with Tao and his team, represent the last vestiges of human hope. However, the film doesn’t explore this theme as deeply as it could have. While there are moments of camaraderie and sacrifice, they are not given the emotional weight that might elevate the story beyond its surface-level action and horror.

The idea of sacrifice is explored through the actions of Tao and his team as they risk their lives to save others. However, the lack of character development means that these moments lack impact. The survivors’ struggle is relatable, but the film fails to delve into the psychological toll of living in such a world, missing an opportunity to add depth to the narrative.

Action Sequences: Brutality and Fisticuffs

As expected from a Steven Seagal film, the action sequences in Against the Dark are centered around martial arts combat. Seagal, known for his aikido skills, does not disappoint in the fight scenes, bringing his signature moves to the table. However, despite the intense hand-to-hand combat and sword fighting, the choreography and execution are uneven. Some of the action scenes are engaging, while others feel disjointed or overly repetitive.

The film relies heavily on fight scenes to drive the story forward, and while this can be entertaining for fans of Seagal’s style, it also means that the film’s narrative takes a backseat. There are also moments of gore and blood splatter, as the infected humans are brutally dispatched by the ex-soldiers, but the violence often feels gratuitous rather than impactful.

Visuals and Cinematography: Dark and Gritty

In terms of visual style, Against the Dark is set in a grim and dark world, where shadows loom large, and the overall color palette is muted. The cinematography does a decent job of establishing the tone of the film, but it also suffers from the limitations of a low-budget production. Some of the special effects, particularly the makeup used for the infected humans, look dated and unconvincing, which detracts from the horror aspect of the film.

However, Crudo’s direction does manage to capture a sense of claustrophobia within the hospital setting, using narrow hallways and dark rooms to create tension. The use of lighting, or the lack thereof, adds to the oppressive atmosphere, making it feel like the characters are always on edge, surrounded by danger.

Soundtrack: A Fitting Score for the Chaos

The soundtrack of Against the Dark is fitting for the film’s tone, featuring a mix of eerie, suspenseful music that adds to the tension of the horror elements. The score complements the action scenes, though it is nothing remarkable. It serves its purpose in building atmosphere and enhancing the suspense but does not stand out in any way.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Against the Dark is a film that is best suited for those who enjoy low-budget, action-heavy, post-apocalyptic thrillers. While it has some decent moments, especially in terms of action and gore, it ultimately suffers from weak character development, pacing issues, and a lack of emotional depth. Fans of Steven Seagal’s earlier work may still find enjoyment in his performance, but for those seeking a deeper, more engaging narrative, this film may not live up to expectations.

For those who enjoy campy action, horror, and the apocalyptic genre, Against the Dark offers a somewhat entertaining, albeit flawed, experience. It’s the kind of film that you might watch on a lazy afternoon or as a guilty pleasure, but it’s unlikely to leave a lasting impression.