Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Dark Glasses’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Dark Glasses’.
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There are few things in the horror world that are more delightful than when a true legend that hasn’t been involved with the genre for a little while, returns to it and provides the fans with something new. In large part, because we get to see that legend working again in whatever capacity that made them a legend to begin with, and you can never go wrong with that, but also because… we know that whatever pulled them away from quiet time, was powerful and dark enough to require their attention. Which means we will get their very best and what’s wild… is that we are seeing these types of returns more and more in this modern era of filmmaking.
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Which is likely related to the fact… that these fine legends have something to say, or this new era of freedom is affording them the chance to put a new spin on their work. Which is precisely what’s happening with John Carpenter right now, since he’s spent the last four years involved in some capacity with the new Halloween trilogy and he is not the only legend returning to the world of storytelling to offer something new to the masses. For Dario Argento, who has been quiet on the directing scene since 2012, finally found the right project to pay attention to. A film that explores something that he loves to ponder upon… the darkness of man, and that makes the Shudder Original, Dark Glasses, quite the compelling watch.

For this is indeed a story that just plunges us into the darkness of the world, wherein we meet a woman named Diana who is just doing her best to get by as a sex worker in life, which at times is no easy task when her clients opt to abuse their privileges with her. But her life becomes even more complex one dark night when a serial killer that has been stalking the streets and sex workers in general, sets his sights upon her. But Diana escapes the attack with her life and some losses. For the accident she’s involved in when he pops up, leaves her with two lives on her hands and the loss of her sight. Forcing her to learn to adjust to a new life… with new friends. Such as the kind woman that helps her learn how to function without sight, and the young boy this attack orphaned, and it is a wonderful thing they are around. For that monster in the shadows has unfinished business with her and strength in numbers might be the only way that Diana survives his obsession and blood lust.

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Which is a plot that is… vintage Argento through and through and he of course, delivers. Since he leans on his extensive experience as a director and a master creator of tension to bring together a stunningly intense and uncomfortable feature. One that moves at a breakneck pace and leaves your heart racing and of course… features some of that trademark Argento gore. Which means we are treated to those visceral shots of the human body suffering from the ravages of rage here, complete with close ups that make one cringe and feature painful and torturous moments for those suffering from the carnage and well, those elements alone make this a delightful watch through and through because you can never go wrong with Argento’s greatest hits.
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But what’s amazing is that this is a motion picture that goes far deeper than the usual psychological nightmare that Dario Argento likes to bring to the silver screen. For this is also a supremely angry film, one that more or less examines the horror of the marginalized adult man that has become such a threat to everyone’s safety in this modern era, alongside some commentary on the world’s current attitudes toward sex workers. Since they are oft frowned upon and chastised for just… making a living, and that is some powerful subtext to find in this film, and a bit of a surprise too, since Argento tends to stick to the shocking imagery and visceral darkness of humanity in his work. But it is definitely welcome here for certain.

If anything, all of these elements come together to make a complete and engaging horror film. One that doesn’t waste a single moment and offers up an emotional assault from beginning to end. All because you’re enjoying another horror thriller from the man that helped create the modern one, and it is just a true delight to be treated to something fresh and original from the maestro and to know that we can watch this over and over again as we please. For Dark Glasses is now available to stream on Shudder and we hope you give it a look. Simply because it is the master of Giallo, doing his thing on the silver screen, and that always leads to a great time.    

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