Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘How Dark They Prey’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘How Dark They Prey’.
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The true beauty of the horror genre lies in its versatility. Because this is perhaps the only genre out there, that is able to do it all from a storytelling perspective. For it can combine genres with stunning success and it can of course, make us laugh or cry, and above all… it scares the living daylights out of us, and it prompts us to think. Simply because horror the true home of social commentary, thanks to the fact that any monster or any concept can serve as a wonderful allegory to the problems of the world and the good and the bad that comes with the human condition. Which in turn has allowed for some powerful stories to come forth, the kind that we revere often thanks to the depth this genre provides.
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But what’s equally as impressive when it comes to this genre, is that it is also perhaps the only one… where homage and tributes are encouraged. Sure, you’ll find winks and nods to other movies and directors in other genres, but here… there are full on call outs to the classics. The kind that are never once seen as a rip-off or lazy, as homages in other genres have been viewed. For that is truly the wonder of horror and that speaks to its versatility, and the desires of the creatives that work within the genre… to properly pay their respects to the trailblazers that came before them, and really, the power of the homage is top of mind today, simply because there is a recently released anthology horror film, that serves as a grand love letter to the genre in How Dark They Prey.

A feat that this film accomplishes by offering up a bevy of unique vignettes for us to chew upon. For there is ‘Encounter Nightly’, a story revolving around a pair of UFO chasers that finally stumble upon a solid lead, only to learn that they’ve stumbled upon something quite sinister. Then there’s ‘Harrowing’, a World War II nightmare that features a pair of soldiers faced with the quite the surprise regarding their recently captured Nazi criminal. Plus, there is ‘Blood Beach’, a unique story about a young man searching for purpose after his father has passed away and what he finds on an isolated beach will change his life forever. And all of these stories are brought home by ‘Nelly’, a twisted tale about a chance encounter between a police officer and a surprise monster, where nothing is quite what it seems.

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Which are plots that at first glance, seem to offer little in regard to homage or hugs to the rich history of horror. In fact, early on, it just seems like a delightful collection of twisted horror shorts. But as each one rolls along; it becomes apparent that there is so much more to these stories. For instance, ‘Encounter Nightly’ clearly is nothing more than a grand nod to both the found footage films of the modern era and the sci-fi/horror fusions that came about in the 1950s. Not to mention, ‘Nelly’ is a story that also pays homage to the past by not only injecting a little humor in the mix, but by giving us a journey that is visually vintage and harkens back to the wonder of the wild nature of the grindhouse film. 
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But truly, where this motion picture shines, is in the other two vignettes. For ‘Harrowing’ is a story that not only features some supernatural fun… but it harkens back to something primal. Such as the horrors of war and the terror we feel when we are scared, and the unknown surrounds us. Which are notions that add great depth and humanity to this vignette. And of course, there is ‘Blood Beach’, an emotional tour-de-force that deeply explores our relationship with grief and the trouble that can cause us… alongside the biggest homage of all. Since this is a story that ties deeply into Lovecraftian lore, a figure that is essential the birth of modern horror. Which is a twist that adds incredibly gravity and darkness to a tale that surprises in every way. 

However, while it is nice to enjoy four engaging stories that truly tip their cap to the genre and the wonder it provides, make no mistake about it… there’s more for us to chew upon from a horror standpoint. Since there are genuinely creepy moments present within this film, the kind that unsettle and push you to the edge of your seat. Plus, there is some quality gore to be found here as well. Especially when it comes to ‘Nelly’, since the blood flies and flies high in that segment and well, in the end, this is nothing more than a delightful anthology. One that any horror fan can easily lose themselves within for a little while and the good news, is that you can enjoy the intelligence of this anthology right now. For How Dark They Prey is on demand, and we here at NTG hope you give it a look, since it really is a lovely tribute to a genre that brings us so much joy.  

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