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Dark Mirror (DVD)
Year:
Rating: MA
Release Date: December 16, 2009 Available for rent
Distributor: Opal Movies
The Film: 2.5
The Disc: 3.0
FILMINK rates DVDs and Blu-rays out of 5"...the shortcomings of Dark Mirror are reflected all too clearly."
Pablo Proenza's Dark Mirror escapes the typical gore and shock value of horror flicks, luring audiences into a psychologically thrilling mystery that delivers unexpected twists and turns along the way. But with a plot that handfeeds clues to the central characters and stylistic conventions of great potential simply ignored or not put to use, the shortcomings of Dark Mirror are reflected all too clearly.
Deborah (Lisa Vidal) is a wife, a mother and a photographer, who has always prided herself on being strong and tough in times of fear and trouble. But when she moves into a new home with her son and husband, Deborah soon discovers that the seemingly beautiful house holds a deeply disturbing secret that leaves her shaken and fearful for the safety of her family and her own life.
As frightful visions and reflections in the glass doors and mirrors of the house continue to haunt Deborah, she must piece together a mystery regarding the house's last occupants before all the people around her disappear or fall victim to murder.
While Proenza uses glass and mirrors to play with light, darkness, reflection and distortion throughout the film, Dark Mirror fails to utilise these powerful concepts in a way that heightens suspense or tension.
Despite its appealing subtlety in creating a chilling atmosphere, the film's lack of ingenuity in using these visually deceptive constructs is a major disappointment as compelling performances and softly haunting music are not enough to truly frighten audiences.
With audio commentary and behind the scenes special features that reveal the efforts of the cast and crew, the DVD release of Dark Mirror comes with insight into the inspiration for the film and the journey of its making. If only the film was a tad better, this additional material could have proved more interesting.