Super Dark Times (2017) - Kevin Phillips

An astute, impressionistic debut, Kevin Phillips' Super Dark Times' is harrowing descent into the shattering of innocence, deconstructing the perverse and subversive effect which trauma and violence can inflict on the psychology of impressionable young minds.  The story of teenagers Zach and Josh, best friends whom commit a gruesome accident only to cover it-up, Super Dark Times details the erosion of childhood naivety and the escalation of guilt-ridden paranoia, showcasing how two close friends see their relationship distorted- mangled under the weight of this damning secret which potentially holds their future livelihoods in the balance.  The childhood characterizations, the friendships themselves and how these character's interact sting of authenticity in the opening minutes, with Super Dark Times' cinematography imploring a cinema verite style, one which gives these characters a lived-in, authentic feel, a looser, care-free framing of these characters which is effectively shattered by the gruesome accident.  After this accident, the aesthetic changes, as Super Dark Times becomes more surgical by design, intricate and immersive in its ability to create an ominous, dread-soaked atmosphere, one which exudes paranoia and tautness in every frame, transporting the viewer into the impressionable young mind of its main character, Zach, a teenage boy who grows more and more concerned about the psychological effect such an incident is having on his friend Josh.  Unfortunately, Super Dark Times' polished, stylish veneer cannot distract from the narrative's inability to earn its ending, as the film's intentions to capture the toxic, alluring nature of violence falls heavily flat, due in large part to Josh's characterization being poorly explored by comparison to Zach.  Josh's story arch, one which sees this character effectively lose his moral compass, doesn't completely work in the context of the story, as it becomes a tad heavy-handed and far-fetched to see him end up in the situation he finds himself in.  Super Dark Times seems to want to show the perpetual state of such violence, the alluring nature it can have on those impressionable enough to become entranced with it, yet the film never spends enough time grappling with Josh's torn psyche, relying too heavily on Zach's internal conflict to serve as a surrogate to Josh's experience, something that doesn't exactly work given the nihilistic ending.  A psychological horror film which impresses due to its keen eye and impressionistic atmosphere, Super Dark Times is an impressive debut feature which leaves you wanting more from the talented first-time filmmaker Kevin Phillips.  ​