User Reviews

...to memorable brilliance, and yet so disappointingly short of the mark, "So Dark" still showcases any number of new talents to this jaded viewer that I can't help but give it props. The other comment (so far) on this site points out a number of flaws in this extended short (the original subway sequence debuted online in early 2013), but auteur Al Lougher shows much promise. I hope he and his crew are busy pursuing their craft.

The faults of this piece lie, as is almost always the case, within the script, which falters somewhat once the story abandons its superb subterranean opening. Perhaps the fault of a low budget, the goings- on at the "police station" (which felt nothing like one) simply don't ring true; material witnesses aren't left alone in unattended hallways, murder suspects don't get a choice about where they're held, and did I mention that material witnesses don't get left alone? The whole "escape" rigmarole was unnecessary, and broke the viewer's willing suspension of disbelief. I wish writer James Williams had come up with a better way to move his story along.

Nonetheless, some nice performances (and why isn't Ms. Crim listed here on the IMDb? Her character absolutely should be making future appearances if the anticipated series gets past developmental hell), excellent visuals, great sound and score; all contribute to a tough little vampire outing that begs further explication. I'm hooked, and I think if you give this one a look-see, you will be, too, and certainly if you loathe the "Twilight" series as much as I do.

Highly recommended. Proceed directly to YouTube. Search for "So Pretty." Enjoy.

This is actually better than the run-of-the-mill short film. Unfortunately that's not saying much.

I saw this sequel and the initial film So Pretty.

The production values were very good. A reasonable mood for both but also missed the mark frequently. Acting not quite up to par as the director is probably not a very good actor's director.

When talking about marketability, there is potential. So Dark detailed an often-seen "war" between vampires and...whoever. But that's what the market wants. Good but familiar.

The lead was effective but lacked a nuance to his performance. But the women in both shorts were not particularly good. The one in Pretty was vapid and I didn't care about her. The woman in Dark was just wooden.

I personally didn't like the shot choices for So Pretty. They were better comparatively but thought they lacked enough coverage and close- ups. The ending where he tells her to leave was effective, though.

What stood out as a sore thumb for Dark was the editing. With the woman's arrival through the basement scene the editing was very obvious and choppy. It would have a character deliver their complete line, pregnant pause, cut to the next character and their line. The flow was ruined. Overlap the last word of the character's line with a shot of the next character.

And no, I didn't buy a vampire chained to a table who couldn't do anything about it. It was clear it was a trap and the agent should have known better. I kept saying, "Why doesn't he just break out of there?" If you're going to run from the traditional lore of the vampire, better establish that first (or in dialogue when she arrives).

And with Dark the addict was by the elevator on the chair. A very odd place to be but was needed to aid in the scene. It stuck out though. Not to mention the timing of her actions was so detailed not even a hero vampire would know such (which extended to his supposed master plan to get the agent outside for his opus revenge). This master plan even stretched back to the first film. No.

Nice moment with the vampire and addict where he denies her request.

The epilogue of Dark had a good feel, though. Could have used a more prevalent shot of the TV and the sunset as it was lost in the background for a long time.