A Song From The Dark popped up on our radar right before its release, sparing us the long wait filled with anticipation. With numerous positive reviews from film festival screenings, we were eager to see what this Nigerian-British supernatural horror film had in store, especially since we’ve been questioning the vitality of the horror genre in Nollywood.

Plot

After the mysterious death of her husband, a woman hires a reluctant spirit hunter to expel an evil spirit tormenting her family. Unknown to the spirit hunter, the family has a dark secret they have sworn to keep hidden at all costs. The plot instantly engages, promising a blend of classic Nollywood supernatural elements set against a contemporary backdrop.

Story

The narrative is unique and unfolds in a way that keeps us captivated. Rather than laying everything out from the start, the film reveals details gradually, allowing viewers to piece the mystery together. When the story finally comes together, it feels satisfying rather than surprising, thanks to well-placed hints throughout the film.

Performances

Brielle Olaleye, the young actress who plays Ash, delivers a standout performance in her brief moment on screen. Although he is a ghost most of the time, Wale Ojo‘s portrayal of Magnus is powerful, especially in the scene where he takes his own life. The scene where Anioji possesses Sammy is another highlight, with compelling acting that anchors this pivotal moment.

Vanessa Vanderpuye excels as Ashionye, Nse Ikpe-Etim brings depth to Isioma, and Peace Oseyenum’s depiction of Anioji is memorable.

Technical Aspects

The film’s lighting and colour grading are effectively executed, avoiding glaring technical flaws. The overall film look is genre-befitting. Generally, the visual effects are somewhat believable but seemed a bit excessive with some scenes looking like clips from a sci-fi movie.

The subtitles occasionally fell short, a recurring issue with Prime Video releases.

Final Thoughts

We enjoyed how the film seamlessly integrated traditional lore from the start. That said, the choice of setting—a remote house—felt cliché and convenient for the plot. While the plot twist wasn’t overly shocking, it was well-integrated and made sense within the story’s context. Every story element contributed to the larger narrative, ensuring nothing felt out of place but the film, like many Nollywood horrors in recent years fails to scare its viewers.

Verdict

A Song From The Dark offers a gripping and refreshing take on Nigerian horror by blending familiar Nigerian tropes with supernatural elements in a unique setting. The attention to detail is also commendable but shreds the elements of mystery in the film. A Song From The Dark gets a 3 out of 5 rating, and if you haven’t seen it yet, it’s now streaming on Prime Video.

Rating: 3/5