Andy Fickman’s ‘DON’T TURN OUT THE LIGHTS’ (2024) – Review

Andy Fickman’s (Heathers: the Musical) Don’t Turn Out the Lights is quite a romp for me that left me a little torn, But I managed the basic things. I call to come in with an open mind and judge from there. Once I did, I felt it a lot more. So many aspects are generally creepy, but very predictable, which is fine with me; that’s not a factor. I am about to get into this a little further and see if I can take a side or remain neutral on it.

Synopsis

Five friends travel in an RV headed to a music festival. While gassing up the RV they ran into two thugs. The situation gets more tense in the movie, as the group of friends are followed by the two guys in their truck. Eventually they are stuck when the RV breaks down. From there on the friends watch each other die, one by one. As long as there is light, they are safe but coaxed into the darkness. Where something is waiting. The movie then becomes a blood fest while the two people left (Bella Delong, Amber Janea) fight for survival.

Don’t Turn Out the Lights is one of those movies compared to Children Shouldn’t Play with Dead Things. One thing that is there may be a little more blood. However, that is great for people who may not like gore but still want to enjoy the genre. There are a lot of points in this movie that click; however. I enjoyed the deer rack scene. It’s pretty cool but still pretty basic. What also gets me in a good way is this is the type of movie I used to watch with my mom. That’s what makes me respect the film. It is a homage to the 90’s straight to video releases, and that’s not a bad thing at all.

In the End

I could see myself watching this again. The jump scares (which normally annoy me) were tasteful and minimal. It was a long process, with lots of dialogue and fighting with each other. During the last half hour, it picks up where it should have been at the start. I enjoyed the movie thoroughly, but I have my little quirks. My biggest gripe is the same as I just mentioned. However, Don’t Turn Out the Lights was still a direct tribute to those straight-to-video moments.

The other gripe is that nothing begins except what you don’t see until the last half hour. Though I respect the twisted ending (I will never deny that), it only delivered a little bit of clarity. Once you figure out exactly what’s happening, you will enjoy it, I’m sure. It’s just my messy opinion because, to me, no amount of blood and guts faze me. I live for it. However, if that isn’t your thing, you will see all their hard work to make this movie a great idea. It is, there’s no denying it. I wish we had seen a moment of the demon that wasn’t a freak-out or a dream.

Do we need more movies like this in the genre? The answer is yes, but Don’t Turn Out the Lights has to be made out of love instead of chasing the money wagon. I can completely agree and cheer this director for making this type of horror.

Don’t Turn Out the Lights will be on VOD starting on September 6th!