‘Don’t Turn Out the Lights’ (2024) Movie Review - The Perfect Horror Dose

“Don’t Turn Out the Lights” isn’t an “out of the box” movie, rather it takes the familiar horror trope of a road trip gone wrong and spins it into a twisted, nerve-wracking tale. The film kicks off with a group of friends embarking on what they think will be a weekend of music, partying, and good times at a popular festival. Packed into an old, rickety RV, the group heads off with high spirits, only to have their adventure take a sinister detour.

As tensions rise, the friends decide to abandon their original route, hoping to find a shortcut. However, their attempts to reach the festival only plunge them deeper into an isolated wilderness where cell service is nonexistent, and eerie encounters with strange, menacing locals leave them even more disoriented. After another unsettling clash with a group of backwoods racists, it becomes clear that this isn’t just a detour—it’s a nightmare. And when the RV breaks down in the middle of nowhere, things go from bad to worse.

As the film progresses, “Don’t Turn Out the Lights” shifts gears, leaning heavily into psychological horror. The once carefree friends are now trapped in their RV, haunted by an unseen force that seems intent on picking them off one by one. The lingering question is What’s stalking them? Is it some paranormal entity? Or is there something even more sinister at play? The film keeps its cards close to the chest, leaving both the characters and the audience in the dark, building a tension that’s as suffocating as the walls of the RV they’re stuck in.

What’s particularly effective about “Don’t Turn Out the Lights” is its claustrophobic setting. Much of the film takes place within the cramped confines of the RV, with the characters questioning whether what they’re seeing is real or if their friends are playing an elaborate prank. The setting amps up the anxiety, especially for viewers who don’t fare well with confined spaces. The suffocating atmosphere serves as a perfect backdrop for the horror, making the audience feel as trapped as the characters themselves. The film delivers its fair share of jump scares and unsettling moments.

In terms of performance, the cast does a solid job of selling the fear and paranoia. Bella DeLong, Amber Janea, and Ana Luz Zambrana lead the charge with commendable performances, portraying the growing desperation and terror convincingly. Their chemistry feels natural, which helps the audience connect with their plight, and their screams of terror feel earned.

While “Don’t Turn Out the Lights” has its strong points, it does have some shortcomings. The film doesn’t dive as deeply into the mystery behind the disappearances as it could have, leaving some questions unanswered by the end. Additionally, its reliance on certain horror conventions may feel predictable for seasoned horror fans. Still, the movie’s trippy, unsettling tone and effective jump scares will likely satisfy viewers looking for a solid, if somewhat standard, horror experience.

Overall, “Don’t Turn Out the Lights” is a decent, tension-filled ride that keeps you guessing. You sure will be scared by how the film takes its course. Horror movie lovers in particular will like this.

Final Score- [8/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Choudhuri
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times