Dark Night of the Soul Review: Cuts Deep but Runs Long

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Dr. Alex Waldan is a brilliant scientist working for the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), and her groundbreaking research could potentially cure a devastating pandemic. However, before her work can bear fruit, Alex is involved in a horrific car crash in an isolated area, leaving her trapped inside the vehicle with no help in sight.

Written and directed by S.J. Creazzo, the 2024 movie Dark Night of the Soul is an intense survival drama that hinges on Kristanna Loken’s compelling portrayal of Alex. The movie wastes no time setting up its central conflict: Alex is severely injured, bleeding profusely, and unable to move. She must find ways to free herself and administer first aid while battling against time and her own deteriorating condition.

Watching a bleeding, desperate Alex fight for survival is visceral and deeply uncomfortable. The scenario instantly reminded me of the 2017 Netflix horror movie Gerald’s Game, where Carla Gugino’s character Jessie fights to free herself from handcuffs in a remote lake house after her husband’s sudden death. While Dark Night of the Soul isn’t a typical horror film, its disturbing elements make viewers worry for Alex at every turn.

As Alex struggles to stay alive, flashbacks reveal her turbulent relationship with her father (Martin Kove, in a memorable cameo) and her complicated bond with her sister Lori (Courtney Warner). Kristanna Loken delivers a powerful performance, convincingly portraying a brilliant scientist determined to fight for every breath. You definitely want to cheer for Alex’s victory. In contrast, Courtney Warner’s portrayal of Lori feels less convincing, with their sisterly exchanges coming off as slightly wooden.

The flashbacks are a mixed bag. While they provide deeper insight into Alex’s character, some moments slow the film’s pacing and diffuse its tension. However, certain memories serve to motivate Alex, reminding her of her greater purpose and pushing her to keep fighting, despite the odds stacked against her.

Overall, Dark Night of the Soul is an engaging survival drama, though its runtime should have been tighter for a more thrilling visual experience.

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