Out of Darkness

 

        Set 45,000 years ago in a barren landscape, this is a minimalistic survival thriller. Screenwriter Ruth Greenburg obviously did a great deal of research to get all the details correct. The look and feel of the film is very authentic. I did my own homework out of curiosity after the film ended.

         A small group of six prehistoric people cross an inland sea hoping to find abundant food and shelter having broken off from their starving tribe. The group consist of Adem, the leader, Ave, his pregnant mate, Heron, his preteen son, Odal, an elder, Geirr, a single male, and Beyah, a stray female.

         Chuku Modu plays Ade, Iola Evans is Ave, Luna Mwezi is Heron, Arno Luening is Odal, Kit Young is Geirr and Safia Oakley-Green is Beyah. They are a hardy cast working in harsh conditions and speaking entirely in an artificial language created for the film (English Sub-titles are provided).

         The film begins as the group makes landfall and sets out for food and shelter. The landscape is uninviting and difficult to transverse but left with no choice, the group continues inland towards a mountain range they hope will provide shelter. Their will to survive is strong but fear and superstition of the unknown eats away at their resolve.

         With a minimal cast and location, director Andrew Cumming creates a well paced thriller that holds your attention to the very end. The sound design and music are a great combination to build suspense and a deepening sense of dread. An unseen threat only adds to the anxiety for both the group and the audience.