Dark Is The Night (2022)

 

 Second release under the the new Wicked film noir banner (first one review) directed by James Avalon. Obviously, since the movie is a thriller, my recap will be on the short side to not spoil the story and the intrigue. 

Nathan Bronson and Kenna James

 Corbin and Ivy Crane (Nathan Bronson and Kenna James) life situation isn't that great despite the appearance, the unpaid bills pile up and that put them under a high financial burden. A good way to help with this would be to rent a room and this is is what they decide to do. It doesn't take long for a man (Seth Gamble) to notice the "room for rent" sign outside and, after a discussion with Ivy, he decides to rent the offered room.

Seth Gamble

 As if the marital financial trouble wouldn't be enough Corbin isn't the most faithful husband, Ivy knows but there aren't much she can't do about it... Seth proposes his help as he knows someone who could help getting evidences for a divorce case. 

Kiara Cole

 The days goes by and finally, as expected, Corbin meets his mistress at her house, photographic evidences are taken and Seth gave the envelope to Ivy. From there the story takes a twist and this is where I stop my recap... let just say that everything take a violent and unexpected turn. 

Kenna James

 Wicked continue their good 2022 run with another strong release that should be nominated for some awards at the next award season. The cast gave solid performances, beginning with Seth Gamble who takes a serious option for his third best lead actor in a film award, Kenna James unsurprisingly is very good playing a fragile woman stuck in a loveless marriage with all the necessary subtleties, Nathan Bronson played a despicable character perfectly (you hate Corbin from beginning to end) and Kiara Cole is also good in a role that doesn't important at first but is the catalyst of everything in that story. The cinematography, the set design and the score (too bad the singer isn't credited since the song during the James / Gamble montage is very good) make the film looks like a million dollar production which it isn't obviously as those days are long gone. The film contains four sex scenes that are all fine and don't have a filler vibes since they advance  the story narrative  (the two middle ones being the most important).

Seth Gamble and Kenna James

  Another recommendation and another strong output from Wicked who sure show us this year that they are back in the features game... which was a surprise for me since I expected them to go on the easy vignette road after Gamma bought the company. As the film was only released three days ago this is exclusive on the Wicked streaming service but it should be available sooner than later for purchase on VOD and DVD at the usual online stores.