In the expansive world of horror cinema, Don’t Turn Out the Lights (2025) attempts to add its name to the list of films that deliver spine-chilling moments and memorable scares. Directed by Andy Fickman, this supernatural horror film stars Curtis Brockelman, Jarrett Austin Brown, and John Bucy in leading roles. Available in WEB-HD 720p quality, the movie offers Telugu (Voice Over) and English audio options, catering to a broader audience. Despite its ambitious premise, the film’s IMDB rating of 3.6/10 suggests a polarizing reception from viewers and critics alike. In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into the story, performances, technical aspects, strengths, and weaknesses to provide an unbiased evaluation of the film.

Plot Overview

The story revolves around a group of friends who embark on what seems like an exciting road trip to attend a music festival. The journey quickly takes a dark turn as they encounter a series of eerie and supernatural events. Initially dismissing the occurrences as coincidental or pranks, the group soon realizes that they are being hunted by an unseen, malevolent force. With no clear escape, their fight for survival becomes the focal point of the narrative. While the premise sets the stage for a thrilling ride, the execution leaves much to be desired.

The Premise: Strengths and Shortcomings

At its core, Don’t Turn Out the Lights aims to combine the excitement of a youthful road trip with the dread of supernatural horror. The contrast between carefree friends and impending doom is a classic formula that has succeeded in films like The Evil Dead (1981) and Cabin in the Woods (2012). However, the originality of the concept is diluted by overused tropes and predictable plot twists.

One of the film’s strengths lies in its potential to explore themes such as camaraderie, survival, and the unknown. However, the narrative’s lack of depth and pacing issues hinder the emotional engagement that could have elevated the story.

Characters and Performances

The film features three central characters:

• Curtis Brockelman portrays Ethan, the adventurous leader of the group. While Brockelman brings energy to the role, his performance is often overshadowed by inconsistent dialogue and underdeveloped character arcs.
• Jarrett Austin Brown plays Ryan, the comic relief and skeptic of the group. Brown’s timing and delivery offer brief moments of levity but fail to leave a lasting impression.
• John Bucy takes on the role of Lucas, the pragmatic and cautious member of the group. Bucy’s portrayal adds a layer of grounded realism, but the character’s limited screen time prevents meaningful development.

The supporting cast contributes to the narrative’s progression but struggles to leave a memorable impact due to clichéd roles and lackluster writing.

Direction and Cinematic Style

Andy Fickman, known for his work in other genres, ventures into horror with mixed results. His direction captures the film’s atmospheric elements effectively, with several well-framed shots that create a sense of isolation and dread. However, the pacing and tonal inconsistencies detract from the overall impact.

The reliance on jump scares—a staple of modern horror—feels excessive and predictable. While a few moments succeed in startling the audience, the lack of buildup and suspense diminishes their effectiveness. The film would have benefited from a more nuanced approach to horror, focusing on psychological tension rather than surface-level frights.

Visual and Technical Aspects

The film’s production design and cinematography offer glimpses of potential. The rural landscapes and desolate roads contribute to the eerie atmosphere, enhancing the sense of foreboding. The use of lighting, particularly in nighttime scenes, is commendable, as it creates shadows and contrasts that heighten the tension.

However, the special effects are a mixed bag. While some practical effects are impressive, the overuse of CGI detracts from the realism and immersion. The creature design, which could have been a standout feature, falls short due to uninspired visuals and lack of originality.

The sound design deserves praise for its role in building tension. From eerie whispers to sudden bursts of noise, the auditory elements enhance the film’s atmosphere. The background score, while effective in certain scenes, occasionally feels overbearing, undermining the subtlety required for a truly unsettling experience.

Language and Accessibility

One of the film’s unique aspects is its availability in Telugu (Voice Over) and English. This dual-language approach broadens its appeal to diverse audiences. However, the quality of the Telugu dubbing has received mixed reactions, with some viewers noting a lack of synchronization and emotional resonance compared to the original English audio.

Strengths

• Atmospheric Setting: The film successfully creates an unsettling environment that immerses the audience in its world.
• Sound Design: The use of sound effects and background score enhances the tension and provides moments of genuine unease.
• Potential for Exploration: The story’s premise offers opportunities to delve into themes of fear, friendship, and survival.

Weaknesses

• Predictable Plot: The overreliance on clichés and lack of originality in the narrative make the story predictable.
• Character Development: The poorly written characters fail to engage the audience on an emotional level.
• Inconsistent Execution: The film’s pacing and tonal shifts disrupt the flow, detracting from its overall impact.
• Overused Jump Scares: The excessive reliance on jump scares feels repetitive and undermines the suspense.

Audience Reception

The audience reception to Don’t Turn Out the Lights has been lukewarm at best. With an IMDB rating of 3.6/10, the film has struggled to resonate with viewers. Common criticisms include the lack of originality, weak performances, and unconvincing special effects. However, some horror enthusiasts appreciate the film’s attempt to create an eerie atmosphere and its potential as a casual watch for fans of the genre.

Final Verdict

Don’t Turn Out the Lights (2025) is a film with ambitious intentions but flawed execution. While it offers moments of atmospheric tension and a few effective scares, its predictable plot, underdeveloped characters, and inconsistent pacing hinder its ability to stand out in the crowded horror genre. For casual viewers seeking a light horror experience, the film might suffice. However, seasoned horror fans are likely to find it lacking in substance and originality