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FEAR OF THE DARK
Written, Produced, Edited, and Directed by Glen BaisleyAlice - Rosemary Gore
Karen - Vanessa Edwards
Michael - Mike Lane
Dr. Fisher - Herb SmithlinePoor Alice. After watching her parents murdered at the hands of the Black Rose Killer, she's spent the past 20 years afraid of the dark. Man, that's got a put a cramp in her sex life...
Director Glen Baisley mixes storytelling styles and techniques as he spans two decades examining the rehabilitation of Alice. For all their worth, the institutions haven't helped much. She's more delusional now than she ever was, and believing herself psychically connected to the Black Rose Killer is the least of her worries.
In the end, Alice is unable to distinguish between reality and fantasy. Pushed passed the brink of sanity, she must confront the killer, put and end to her misery, and set her place in the world right. With her friends a distance, she has noone to rely on but herself.
Alice, herself, is a complex character and Rosemary Gore is often stunning in her portrayal of a woman consumed by fear and anguish. Gore isn't afraid to look her worst for the camera, never hiding behind make-up like so many Hollywood types who are hung up on image. No, Gore is a real actor willing to take chances, even if they don't always work.
The heart of the story lies in Alice's relationships with those around her, and not all can handle her descent into madness. Karen, the roommate, is the closest thing Alice has had to a mother since the murder. Michael, the boyfriend, can only see things in the "now" and isn't willing to help provide a stable future. Finally, Dr. Fisher, Karen's psychiatrist is all compassion and warmth, completing the family circle started with Karen.
Bonded to the killer, Alice must do what she can to keep her friends alive, after all, they're the only family she has. Alice must find the strength for clarity before she finally snaps, embracing the killer within herself.
FEAR OF THE DARK is pure story-driven horror encased in the confines of raging insanity. Baisley takes his time to peel away at the layers and create what is essentially a whodunit that's similar to an Italian Giallo. Dark and moody, FEAR OR THE DARK is another addition to a short list of movies that prove smart horror films can be made with almost no money. All you need is a good script.