Psychological thriller is a genre which almost always warrants a panicked, on the edge of your seat, reaction from the audience.
What we see in fact horrifies us. Which is why when the protagonist is blind and therefore cannot see danger ahead of her, the more invested we become. The In Darkness premiere took place at Arclight, presented by Nordstrom Local and Foster Grant Sunglasses. In a film co-written by its main protagonist, Natalie Dormer, In Darkness proves to be the plot-twist filled movie that was much needed. “We love thrillers. We have a huge appetite for good thrillers,” said director and co-writer Anthony Byrne on the decision to write the film. Byrne and Dormer both emphasized the love they have for thrillers. Specifically Byrne sought out to create the type of thriller that the audience could “unpack as you’re watching it”.
The main character Sofia, played by Dormer, is a blind pianist who appears to keep to herself mostly. Occasionally engaging in casual conversations with her upstairs neighbor Veronique, played by Emily Ratajkowski, who she instantly recognizes by her distinctive perfume scent. When Veronique falls to her death from the window above Sofia’s, the previously kept secrets of her life begin to unfold. Sofia is seemingly of no assistance to Detective Mills, actor Neil Maskell, who is working on the case due to her visual impairment. “A lot of my preconceptions about the visually impaired community and the slightest range of that, have been completely debunked”, said Dormer on the experience learned from her role.
The actress wonderfully captured the daily routine of someone who is visually impaired throughout the film. “I feel a richer human being for knowing the way they have to navigate life and the way they’re not helped as much as they should be,” continued Dormer. As the story continues, Sofia seems to know more about her neighbor than initially believed. Alongside a brother-sister duo who also are hiding details about their past, portrayed by Ed Skrein and Joely Richardson, Sofia is revealed to not be the only one with a connection to Veronique.
In Darkness is in theaters now!
“In Darkness” Premiere featuring stars Natalie Dormer, Emily Ratajkowski and Ed Skrein, at Arclight, presented by NORDSTROM LOCAL AND Foster Grant Sunglasses, with after party at AVENUE where guests enjoyed Avion Tequila cocktails. Natalie is wearing Elizabetta Frankie.
Photo credit: Sarah Jay Weiss
