A woman who appears lost is walking around the city at night. She encounters old friends and strangers, but what is she searching for? And can someone buy her some new clothes? She looks like a confused lunatic from the 90s!
“Now It’s Dark” is directed by Arild Østin Ommundsen, who also directed a movie I really enjoyed upon its release, “Eventyrland” (2013), also known as “It’s Only Make Believe.” I was looking forward to seeing what he could do next after that solid movie.
“Now It’s Dark” has a David Lynch-like feel to it. A woman walks around the city at night, reconnecting with friends she hasn’t seen in a long time, as well as encountering strangers. Some are more friendly than others. However, it seems like she is searching for someone, and we catch glimpses of key moments from her past that hold the answers to the puzzle.
While the atmosphere and strange characters in “Now It’s Dark” resemble those found in a David Lynch movie, ultimately it is a drama movie. I enjoyed the movie, but I felt that it was too long. It could have been 30 minutes shorter, and several scenes could have been shortened or cut. Not all the characters the protagonist encounters on her nocturnal journey are equally interesting.
When the movie reveals the secret of the protagonist’s past, I felt that it left me wanting more. The protagonist walks around in her unattractive attire, and there are a couple of intense moments that transport us into David Lynch’s universe. The movie shines in those scenes and when it maintains the air of mystery. However, when the truth is finally unveiled, it falls flat like a weak fart that only the protagonist can hear. It was a disappointing ending. However, considering that the movie was made on a budget of around 80,000 USD, I must admit that I was impressed by its beautiful visuals and generally strong performances.
If you enjoy movies that attempt to capture the David Lynch vibe while also delivering visually appealing aesthetics, then “Now It’s Dark” is worth checking out. Just be aware that it is a drama-mystery movie, and the ending is an anticlimactic silent fart. I prefer endings that are like a loud and impactful fart, with a strong smell that will knock you out. Sniff it in, man! Sniff it in!