We Summon the Darkness (2020)

We Summon the Darkness is the kind of horror-thriller that knows exactly how the genre works—and takes impish delight in yanking the rug out from under you. Set against the sweaty, headbanging energy of a heavy-metal show and a remote after-party that feels one bad decision away from disaster, it mixes tension with a wicked sense of humor that keeps the movie buoyant even when things turn dark. The film’s secret weapon is its female-led trio: charismatic, capable, and far more interesting than the usual slasher-fodder archetypes, which makes every twist land with extra bite. If you want straight-faced terror, the playful, self-aware tone may not be your flavor, but if you like clever, surprising horror that keeps you guessing, this one’s a blast.

We Summon the Darkness wants to be a cheeky, throwback slasher with a heavy-metal vibe and a few “gotcha” twists, and on paper that’s a fun setup. The problem is it often plays out in a pretty generic way, with characters who make eye-rollingly dumb choices that drain tension instead of building it. The kills and suspense beats can feel oddly tame and routine for a movie aiming to be nasty and clever, so you may end up waiting for it to kick into a higher gear that never arrives. If you’re here for stylish atmosphere, a decent cast trying their best, and a serviceable late-night thriller, you might get by; if you want sharp writing, memorable carnage, or genuinely surprising turns, this likely isn’t for you.