Don’t Turn Out the Lights (2023)

Don’t Turn Out the Lights (2023) is a psychological horror film that plunges viewers into a chilling narrative about fear, isolation, and the unknown lurking in darkness. The story follows Emily, a young woman who moves into a new apartment after a traumatic event. She soon discovers that the building holds dark secrets tied to a malevolent presence that thrives in the shadows. The title itself becomes a chilling mantra as Emily must confront her deepest fears without letting the darkness consume her.

The film expertly uses lighting and sound design to create an atmosphere of mounting dread. Most scenes are set in near darkness or flickering light, making viewers hyper-aware of every shadow and movement. This minimalist approach forces the audience to engage actively, filling in the blanks with their own fears, which enhances the psychological impact. The fear of the dark—a primal human terror—is exploited masterfully, making the simple act of turning off the lights a source of intense suspense.

Emily’s character is well-developed, with the film exploring her emotional trauma and how it affects her perception of reality. As the supernatural occurrences escalate, the line between what’s real and what’s imagined blurs, adding complexity to the narrative. The film’s slow-burn pacing allows tension to build steadily, culminating in a climax that is both terrifying and emotionally resonant.

While Don’t Turn Out the Lights relies on classic horror tropes—haunted spaces, unseen entities, and psychological torment—it reinvents them through its focus on the sensory experience of fear. Rather than overwhelming the audience with gore or jump scares, it emphasizes mood and psychological depth, appealing to fans of cerebral horror.

Some viewers might find the film’s deliberate pacing challenging, as it demands patience and attention to subtle cues. However, this slow approach pays off by creating a haunting atmosphere that lingers long after the credits roll.

In summary, Don’t Turn Out the Lights is a compelling addition to the psychological horror genre. Its effective use of darkness, sound, and character study crafts an immersive experience that taps into universal fears. For those who appreciate horror that is as thoughtful as it is frightening, this film offers a memorable journey into the shadows we all dread.