Performance & Direction: A Candle in the Dark Review
Last updated: February 3, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is A Candle in the Dark (2002) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a FLOP with a verified audience rating of 4.0/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Horror.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Horror is often anchored by its ensemble, and A Candle in the Dark features a noteworthy lineup led by Kirstin McLaughlin . Supported by the likes of Alexandra Ackerman and Cliff Poche , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: A Candle in the Dark
Quick Plot Summary: A Candle in the Dark is a Horror film that crafts an atmosphere of dread and suspense, using psychological terror and visual scares. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ending Explained: A Candle in the Dark
Ending Breakdown: A Candle in the Dark attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to horror resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the horror themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of A Candle in the Dark reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch A Candle in the Dark?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Horror films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Box Office Collection: A Candle in the Dark
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $5.0K |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
A Candle in the Dark Budget
The estimated production budget for A Candle in the Dark is $5.0K. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: A Candle in the Dark
All Cast & Crew →A Candle in the Dark Parents Guide & Age Rating
2002 AdvisoryWondering about A Candle in the Dark age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of A Candle in the Dark is 40 minutes (40m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 4.0/10, and global performance metrics, A Candle in the Dark is classified as a FLOP. It remains an essential part of the 2002 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Candle in the Dark worth watching?
A Candle in the Dark is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies. It has a verified rating of 4/10 and stands as a FLOP in our box office analysis.
Where can I find A Candle in the Dark parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for A Candle in the Dark identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of A Candle in the Dark?
The total duration of A Candle in the Dark is 40 minutes, which is approximately 0h 40m long.
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movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.