• Horror
• Mystery

Lights Out 2016

Lights Out is a 2016 American supernatural horror film directed by David F. Sandberg, based on his 2013 short film of the same name. The film centers on a malevolent entity, Diana, that can only exist in the dark and is connected to a woman named Sophie. The story follows Sophie's daughter, Rebecca, and her younger half-brother, Martin, as they are tormented by the same terrifying figure Rebecca experienced in her own childhood.🧭 Production & Background The film is based on a short film of same name by David F. Sandberg from 2013. It was Sandberg’s feature directorial debut. Shot in Los Angeles, between June and August 2015. Visual effects for the supernatural (Diana) were achieved using practical effects, in‑camera techniques, split‑screen, etc. The way light/dark is used is central to the horror.🌍 Release & Critics Release Date: Premiered at the LA Film Festival on June 8, 2016; wide release in U.S. & Canada on July 22, 2016. Runtime: About 81 minutes. Budget: Approximately US$4.9 million. Box Office: Grossed around US$148.9 million worldwide.Critical Response Rotten Tomatoes: ~75% approval rating; average rating around 6.3/10. Metacritic: mixed or average reviews; score ~58/100. Praise was generally for the concept, the use of light/darkness, direction, scares, and performances. Criticism was for somewhat thin character development, use of horror clichés, and for how the ending handles the “mental illness / supernatural” intersection.✅ Conclusion: Lights Out (2016) Lights Out is a tightly-paced supernatural horror film that cleverly uses light and darkness as both a visual device and a thematic metaphor. Directed by David F. Sandberg in his feature debut and produced by James Wan, it expands on a viral short film into a full narrative about mental illness, family trauma, and sacrifice. While it delivers effective scares through its unique antagonist—Diana, a shadowy figure that only appears in darkness—it also tackles deeper themes like depression and familial responsibility. The film’s short runtime (81 minutes) and low budget (~$5 million) didn’t hinder its massive success, grossing nearly $150 million worldwide. Critics praised its concept, tension, and direction, though some felt it leaned on horror tropes and raised concerns about how it handled mental illness. Still, it stands out as one of the more inventive horror films of the 2010s. Read More

• 2016
• 1 h : 21 min
• 679 views
• 6.154
• PG-13