Dark Skies is about a middle class family, who are struggling financially and emotionally, as they start to notice strange events happening in their home on a nightly basis. As they come to terms with the truth, they begin to unite as a family to fight against the unwelcome visitors.
There’s nothing new or unexpected about Dark Skies, which is actually refreshing. As of late, there have been so many horror films trying to branch genres together, or just reinvent them entirely. Instead of attempting cleverness, Dark Skies simply sticks to being scary, and sticks to it well. These aren’t cheap scares either. Most of the scares in this film are of the slow and creeping kind — scares that will follow you home after the lights have been turned off. For the most part, Dark Skies ascribes to the less is more philosophy, which often leaves more of a lasting impression than special effects.
Playing a married couple, Keri Russell and Josh Hamilton are convincing in their relationships with each other and their two sons. This is a family I found myself rooting for, which makes Dark Skies that much more involving. They are your neighbours, your friends, or even your own family. There is also an awesome cameo by J.K. Simmons, who plays an alien expert. His character borderlines on camp appeal, but I say that lovingly.
Despite a few weak points in the script, Dark Skies never becomes too sentimental or preachy about its message of family unity. If scares are what you’re after, this is a film that delivers through its skillful camerawork and atmospheric chills.
Is Dark Skies Opening Weekend Worthy?
If you’re a fan of creepy alien films like Signs, then yes. These types of movies work best when you see them in a full theatre with an eager audience on a Friday or Saturday night at the movies. Any fan of The X-Files will be pleased with this flick.
More About This Movie
Dark Skies Trailer
Dark Skies Production Gallery
Danita Steinberg
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I am interested in seeing this at some point, despite the torrent of negative reviews out there. The director is someone who falls into my category of those who has put out films that would have been great if they had just tweaked the film in a slightly different direction, and if the writer had done the same with the script. I don't mean major revisions, just that they missed it by "that much" (holding index finger and thumb about 2.5 cm away from each other). Its like playing chess and several moves from the end game you think, "damn, I should have moved the rook instead". Not a huge change at the time but the end game would be so much more favourable.
I see what you're saying. Sometimes movies should work, but don't for even the tiniest of reasons. I really enjoyed Dark Skies.. two nights later and I am still a little spooked!