Performance & Direction: The Darkening Review
Last updated: January 28, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Darkening (1995) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a FLOP with a verified audience rating of 1.5/10. 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 The Darkening features a noteworthy lineup led by Jeff Rector . Supported by the likes of George Saunders and Rebecca Kyler Downs , 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?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Darkening (1995) is negative. With an audience rating of 1.5/10, it stands as a challenging project that may struggle to find an audience.
Story & Plot Summary: The Darkening
Quick Plot Summary: The Darkening is a Horror, Mystery 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: The Darkening
Ending Breakdown: The Darkening attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to horror resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, 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 The Darkening reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Darkening?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Horror films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Top Cast: The Darkening
All Cast & Crew →
The Darkening Parents Guide & Age Rating
1995 AdvisoryWondering about The Darkening age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Darkening is 80 minutes (1h 20m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 1.5/10, and global performance metrics, The Darkening is classified as a FLOP. It remains an essential part of the 1995 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Darkening worth watching?
The Darkening is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies. It has a verified rating of 1.5/10 and stands as a FLOP in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Darkening parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Darkening identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Darkening?
The total duration of The Darkening is 80 minutes, which is approximately 1h 20m long.
How The Darkening Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Darkening
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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.
