A modern day Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde sort of story is hardly a new idea, and a lot of the story elements have been done before a lot and better, but regardless it's hardly an uninteresting one. Executed decently, 'Dark Iris' could have been atmospheric and with enough to keep one engaged. Actually wanted it to be both those things, certainly did not want it to fail (have never done that for anything watched and reviewed and never will).
Sadly, 'Dark Iris' is neither atmospheric or engaging, not doing anything with its potential which is just infuriating. Have definitely seen far worse films, at least 'Dark Iris' started off decently and my intelligence wasn't insulted. This is something that has happened before in film or television but not an awful lot and it takes a lot for me to feel that way, despite how some of my previous reviews sound. My lowest possible rating is reserved only for films that show no effort with no redeeming merits, and a relatively rare rating given out recently by me. 'Dark Iris' struck me as a film that actually did try, if anything it was a sign of somebody with a good deal of ambition running before walking, something that will be mentioned later.
'Dark Iris', as aforementioned, doesn't start off too badly. It is a shame that it quickly goes downhill and never recovers.
One of 'Dark Iris' biggest problem is its over ambition. Meaning that although it's commendable that somebody, in this case Derek Talib, takes on more than one job (nearly everything), and there are successful examples of that, this came over to me that it was somebody who lacked the experience to take on all these jobs and even seemed taxed by them individually too. There is a constant sense of over-ambition and inexperience, hence what was meant earlier by running before walking. 'Dark Iris' looks worse than a failed student film project (especially in the shoddy last minute-looking effects that would look out of date 50 years ago, while even for the concept the film's look is far too grim), and am actually feeling rather sad saying that. The direction seems ill at ease with the material and loses control of it, it comes through loud and clear that it was directed by a novice.
The writing is constantly awkward, sophomoric is a very good way of describing it, and another example of struggling to keep a straight face. The story is confused and dull, too many things left vague, and there is no tension, suspense or unsettlement at all, thrills and surprises are none too. Basically non-stop blandness and actually thought it never did pick up and that it was the second half where it was especially dull and lacking in clarity.
None of the characters were worth caring about, was endlessly annoyed by their dumb decision making, their repetitive actions and how the types of characters were a weird mishmash. The Agent Fry character was especially irritating, am not talking slightly here, we are talking throughout to an insultingly large degree. The acting is also indicative of inexperience and like they did the film for a favour or an experiment, the leads have no presence at all and the supporting cast try too hard. Marylee Osborne is especially bad. The chemistry is non-existent meaning any drama is interminably static.
In conclusion, have seen worse but an over-ambitious mess done by a crew, and a person in particular, that lacked the experience and expertise, as well as budget, to carry all these components individually and together off. 2/10, as it at least tried. Bethany Cox
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