Is In the Glow of Darkness Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2025)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2025, In the Glow of Darkness represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Science Fiction category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into San Zokyo—a 1080p metropolis running at 30 frames per second, 15 minutes into the future and 10 years in the past. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Science Fiction are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "San Zokyo—a 1080p metropolis running at 30 frames per second, 15 minutes into the future and 10 years in the past. As a young hacker challenges the corporation behind Meme—a drug that mines users’ psyches to deliver personalized psychedelic trips and hyper-targeted ads—intersecting stories unfold in strange, fractured rhythms."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Despite the inherent talent of Lucas Bennett, the performance in In the Glow of Darkness feels somewhat constrained by a narrative framework that doesn't fully exploit their range. There are flashes of brilliance, but the overall impact is muted.

The direction by Tucker Bennett is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 80 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is In the Glow of Darkness truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Science Fiction, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, In the Glow of Darkness explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2025 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Tucker Bennett respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, In the Glow of Darkness is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Lucas Bennett or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, In the Glow of Darkness is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.