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Just in time for spooky season comes Dark Harvest, a new Halloween horror film based on Norman Partridge’s novel of the same name. Directed by David Slade (Hard Candy, 30 Days of Night) with a screenplay by Michael Gilio (Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves), Dark Harvest tells the story of a small Midwestern farming town in 1963. Every October, the town goes through a bizarre ritual, unleashing teenage boys on the town as they hunt down a monstrous figure called “Sawtooth Jack.” One lucky boy must kill the creature before the stroke of midnight in order to ensure another year of healthy crops in the town, or else.

Dark Harvest is a book I’ve seen the cover of many times, but have yet to read. While I don’t know how true of an adaptation the film is, I thoroughly enjoyed Dark Harvest. As the film begins, some of the initial visuals might deter viewers. There is a lot of artificial nighttime lighting and a bit of lackluster CGI. But don’t let that fool you. As the film progresses, the CGI is used very sparingly in favor of grotesque and beautiful practical effects. Especially when it comes to Sawtooth Jack himself, the makeup and prosthetics create a striking new horror icon that is a bit reminiscent of Pumpkinhead, but still feels unique. The bright artificial lighting might initially appear to be an easy way for the filmmakers to ensure all the ritualistic antics are visible to viewers, but it goes beyond that. It’s an aesthetic choice allowing the filmmakers to shine a spotlight on the teenage boys while only revealing glimpses of Sawtooth Jack. It also adds to the sense of magic and mystery encapsulating the rural town, helping to create striking scenes that look like works of art. Dark Harvest also has fantastic production design, complete with period-appropriate cars and wardrobe to transport the audience back to the 60’s.

The filmmakers throw the audience into the height of “the run,” allowing for heightened tension, while also forcing us to try to piece together what’s happening. Then, Dark Harvest fast forwards a year and shows the days leading up to the next run through the eyes of Richie, the younger brother of last year’s winner. Because his brother was a winner, Richie technically isn’t allowed to participate in the run; but he knows winning is his only chance of escaping the small town like his brother did, so he plans to win no matter the cost. Through this character, we learn much about the history of the town and the reason behind this dangerous yearly tradition. As the town secrets are gradually brought to light, some viewers might put the pieces together themselves, but it doesn’t make the climax any less impactful. It’s a fascinating plot allowing for plenty of suspense and monstrous terror, with an emotional core tying it all together.

The plot is intriguing and perfectly disturbing, but it also highlights some interesting issues just as relevant in the 1960’s as they are today. A large part of Dark Harvest emphasizes toxic masculinity and the dangerous frenzy that arises when young men are thrown together and given free rein to wreak havoc. The town rituals are specifically design to make these teen boys their most dangerous in the days leading up to the run. While that pent-up aggression is meant to be directed at Sawtooth Jack, there’s no controlling the explosive impulsivity once the boys are unleashed. While this is explored to a lesser extent, Dark Harvest also touches on themes of sexism and racism, although these are themes I with the film explored a bit further. Being a rural town in the 60’s, the residents are predominantly white, which makes the few people of color in the town targets for hatred. When it comes to sexism, one of the rules of the run is that girls are not allowed to participate, implying they are not capable of taking down Sawtooth Jack. Because winning the run is advertised as the only way to leave the podunk town, the young women are doomed to live their entire lives in the same place, never having the opportunity to escape. Finally, there is a lot of generational trauma incorporated throughout the film. A lot of the focus is on the sins of the adults being passed to the unsuspecting teen boys, none of these adults ever being brave enough to break the vicious cycle of violence and death. These themes take Dark Harvest from a typical young-adult monster movie to a gripping work of insightful horror.

Helping to make Dark Harvest a compelling watch are the wonderful performances. While there are a number of great actors making their characters memorable, two actors stand out. Casey Likes (Krampus: Origins, The Birch) stars as Richie. When we first meet Richie after his brother wins the run, he’s just a typical kid. A year later, he’s gained a rebellious side, dressing like a “greaser” and breaking all the rules with his small group of friends. Despite his hardened exterior, there is a softness below the surface. Likes’s performance makes it clear to everyone that, while Richie will do just about anything to get out of this town, he would do even more for those he loves most. Emyri Crutchfield (Fargo, Tell Me Your Secrets) plays Kelly, the new girl in town and Richie’s budding love interest. Kelly is a captivating character who doesn’t have the generational trauma the rest of the town has, but she is just as desperate to escape it. Crutchfield gives her character layers, making her perceptive, blunt, and compassionate, but with a rebelliousness that rivals Richie’s. Together, Likes and Crutchfield have an on-screen chemistry that is sure to make the audience root for these two crazy kids.

Dark Harvest delivers intrigue, carnage, and an iconic monster that is sure to become a new staple each Halloween season. Slade and Gilio did a wonderful job bringing Partridge’s novel to life. The plot has a lot of social commentary to give it depth, all while still incorporating the fun and frights of a creature feature. It incorporates striking visuals to give the town an otherworldly, magical feel and implements stunning practical effects to bring Sawtooth Jack to live. Along with great performances by Likes and Crutchfield to give the film heart, Dark Harvest is an exciting ride to appeal to teens and adults alike. Audiences can catch this unexpected nostalgic Halloween horror gem in theaters one night only, October 11th, at select Alamo Drafthouse locations and on digital beginning October 13th.

OVERALL RATING: 8/10