Nerve-Wracking Narratives

Read Time:4 Minute, 13 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Peril & Distress [And Soon the Darkness / Sudden Terror] (4K UHD)
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Genre: Horror, Thriller, Mystery, Crime, Drama
Year Released: 1970, 2024 Kino Lorber 4K
Runtime: 1h 34m / 1h 32m
Director(s): Robert Fuest / John Hough
Writer(s): Brian Clemens, Terry Nation / Ronald Harwood, John Harris, Bryan Forbes
Cast: Pamela Franklin, Susan George, Mark Lester, Michele Dotrice, Lionel Jeffries, Jeremy Kemp, Peter Vaughn, Sandor Elès, John Nettleton, Hana Maria Pravda, Peter Bowles, Tony Bonner, Clare Kelly, Jean Carmet
Where To Watch: available August 20, 2024; pre-order your copy here: www.kinolorber.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Kino Lorber's PERIL & DISTRESS collection combines two riveting thrillers from the 1970s, AND SOON THE DARKNESS and SUDDEN TERROR. Each film, with its stunning 4K restoration and unique setting and storyline, dives deep into the realms of human vulnerability and fear, crafting a viewing experience that is as unsettling as it is engaging.

The collection starts with AND SOON THE DARKNESS, where a peaceful bicycle trip through the French countryside quickly spirals into a suspense-filled nightmare. Following a minor disagreement, one of the British travelers mysteriously disappears, plunging her friend into a desperate search amidst growing hostility from the locals. Directed by the visually inventive Robert Fuest, known for his work on THE ABOMINABLE DR. PHIBES, the film uses its pastoral settings under broad daylight to amplify the suspense, creating a striking contrast with the dark undertones of the plot.

An additional aspect that enhances the depth of these films is the use of language barriers to intensify the alienation felt by the protagonists. In AND SOON THE DARKNESS, the limited ability of the characters to communicate effectively with the locals not only escalates the tension but also magnifies the isolation and vulnerability of the protagonist. This narrative device effectively taps into a universal fear of being misunderstood or helpless in a foreign environment.

This film thrives on its minimalist approach, eschewing graphic violence for a build-up of psychological tension. The screenplay of Brian Clemens and Terry Nation effectively keeps the story tight. Pamela Franklin delivers a compelling performance as Jane, portraying a character who navigates through fear and resilience, driving the film to a quietly intense climax.

Transitioning from the quiet fields to the bustling urban environment of Malta, SUDDEN TERROR shifts gears to a high-octane assassination plot that ensnares a young boy and his sister in a lethal game of survival against relentless killers. Under the direction of John Hough, the Mediterranean backdrop transforms into a stifling labyrinth of narrow alleys and shadowed corners, enhancing the film’s sense of imminent danger.

Despite some narrative pacing issues and the rapid growth of its younger characters, the film maintains a gripping pace. The ensemble cast, particularly Peter Vaughan's menacing portrayal of the assassin, Paul Grazzini, adds depth to the thriller, highlighting the pervasive threat that propels the narrative forward.

Together, AND SOON THE DARKNESS and SUDDEN TERROR in the PERIL & DISTRESS collection explore themes of isolation and the unpredictable nature of fate, particularly how ordinary individuals react when thrust into extraordinary, menacing situations. This collection not only underscores the distinctive qualities of each film but also celebrates their collective contribution to the thriller genre of the 1970s. It offers a blend of deep psychological exploration and edge-of-your-seat suspense, ensuring that viewers are riveted from start to finish.

Product Extras:
Audio commentary for AND SOON THE DARKNESS by Director Robert Fuest and Co-Writer/Co-Producer Brian Clemens, Moderated by Journalist Jonathan Sothcott.
Audio Commentary for SUDDEN TERROR by Director John Hough and Uncredited-Writer/Producer Bryan Forbes; Moderated by journalist Jonathan Sothcott
Audio Commentary for AND SOON THE DARKNESS by Film Historian Troy Howarth
Audio Commentary by Film Historians Howard S. Berger and Nathaniel Thompson
Theatrical Trailers (And Soon the Darkness / Sudden Terror / Eyewitness)
Radio Spot (And Soon the Darkness)
Optional English Subtitles

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER]

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