An emotionally exhausting film that explores the depths of grief caused by losing a child and the lengths people will go to overcome their sorrow. At its core the story revolves around Cora (Anna Camp), a reformed heroin addict who lost her son seven years prior. Unable to move past her tragedy, she joins a grief support group led by the enigmatic Abel (John Ales).
The film begins delving deeply into the world of the occult after Abel convinces Cora that if she undertakes a series of mysterious rituals with him she will be able to see her son again. As the two would-be necromancers dig into Cora's past they summon a malevolent entity that they believe will be the answer to Cora's wishes. It soon becomes clear to the audience though that there are even darker forces at work, and that Abel has his own sinister motives for helping Cora.
The malevolent demon at the heart of the film is a powerful and terrifying presence that looms over all. It is a force that demands exacting sacrifice. Cora and Abel are forced to endure difficult choices as they grapple with the demon's influence. Depicted through hauntingly real visual effects and sound design that serve to emphasize the timeless horror of its presence, the demon embodies absolute horror.
The exploration of occult and demonology adds an additional layer of depth to the visitation of grief and trauma, raising questions about the nature of evil and the lengths that people will go to in order to find solace in the face of tragedy. The characters' experiences with the demon are a metaphor for the all-consuming nature of all-encompassing sorrow, and how it can seem like an insurmountable force that prevents people from moving forward with their lives.
Some viewers will be reminded of "A Dark Song", another occult movie (though on a slower burn) that takes place almost entirely at a country estate where the main character employs a mystic to help her perform a lengthy, months-long ritual that will allow her to communicate with her deceased son. The film is notable for its atmospheric cinematography and deliberately slow pacing, which helps to build tension and suspense as the ritual unfolds.
"From Black," on the other hand, is more fast-paced, exploring a wider range of characters and locations. While it also uses occult elements to create a sense of horror, it is a deeply emotional drama that focuses on the transformative experiences of its main character Cora, as she struggles with the loss of her son. Both films create unease and tension throughout, while offering moments of quiet clarity that allow us to connect with the characters on a deeply meaningful level.
While the ending of “From Black'' is memorable and impactful, there are some viewers who may feel that the resolution is too abrupt, and that it leaves too many questions unanswered. Other viewers may appreciate the ambiguity of how the film leaves elements open to interpretation.
One possible way to make the ending more satisfying would be to provide more closure for the characters and their stories. While we're given a sense of resolution, it could benefit from additional exposition in the form of scenes or dialogue to understand the characters' motivations and emotions more fully. Alternatively, the filmmakers could choose to lean into the ambiguity of the ending even further, leaving more room for interpretation and speculation.
In all, a powerful, thought-provoking film that offers a unique perspective, “From Black” is worth your time. The performances of Anna Camp and John Ales resonate emotionally, their complex characters adding to the film's overall impact. Regardless of one's opinion about the ending, it’s undeniable that the film is a haunting exploration of grief, trauma, and dark forces, and will leave you pondering the story after you see it, especially if you’re a long time horror movie fan.
EDIT: In an attempt to be transparent I should fess up that this review was assisted by ChatGPT.. I spent a lot of time on the prompts, and on editing, but the basic shell is GPT... sorry everyone.
