It’s hard to run away from the past when your actions run faster than your intentions to make amends for the mistakes you’ve made. Sometimes we do our best in the present to correct what the uncertain future holds. But what if the future doesn’t exist and we only get to keep our worst memories to torture us?

The Darkness of the Road tells the story of Siri (Najarra Townsend), an apparently single mother traveling in the middle of the night by road with her little daughter who sleeps more than a koala bear. From the beginning she seems to be running away from something or someone, and even though she has no intention to stop at all, she eventually has to fill the car’s tank. Arriving at a gas station in the middle of nowhere, he meets a stranger who asks for a raite and, although she refused to give it to him, he has no other option as the unknown woman helps him restart his vehicle. Once back on the road, both must face the darkness of the night and the demons that surround the road as well as their own.

The Darkness of the Road has a story that reveals its intentions from the beginning with several clues that do not require algorithms to decipher its own unknown. However, the story is filled with suspense and terrifying moments that may have the viewers on the edge of their seats even though they might know the characters are trying to overcome severe traumatic experiences that keeps them encapsulated in their own personal hell. The plot, as well as the script, is very simple and easy to digest. The only thing that could be complicated for others are the final scenes— you must understand the topics covered during the film are the representation of an emotional duel which both women go through at the same time.

Despite not having a great scenery other than the dark desert, it compensates quite well with the vision the director has. There are few moments in which the photography is spectacular with its panoramic angles and close-ups that go beyond what’s happening with the characters. All this works wonderfully with the visual effects design, which at times blurs how inexpensive and simple it is, and the jump-scares, which are few but effective.

Not all roads lead to Rome, but The Darkness of the Road sure leads to something dismal as it paves its way with grief towards a pill hard to swallow.

8 OUT OF 10 DOLLS