Two paranormal investigators, each known for their unique approach to the supernatural, are unexpectedly thrown together in the hope of solving a 100 year mystery.
Locked for three nights in a house with a dark and unsettling past, the two investigators must put their differences to one side and work together. They soon discover the myths and stories are nothing compared to what actually resides within the eerie walls of Richwood Manor.
The unsuspecting family renting a remote old house in Scotland quickly fall afoul of whatever lurks within its walls and the dark places in the opening sequence of Ghosts of Darkness, with possession and bloody murder following soon after. In addition to this, the house has an at-least 200 year history of similarly unfortunate ends for many of its occupiers. This understandably puts other potential buyers off taking on the house. To this end, the current owner tasks two experts in their fields to either disprove talk of hauntings or to put a stop to whatever evil is resident.
First up is Jack (Koltes), an American and a noted debunker of the supernatural. To balance this, he’s paired up reluctantly with the flamboyant Jonathan Blazer (Flannery), a British psychic who claims there’s nothing supernatural he can’t deal with. Both are offered $50,000 to stay for three nights (because it’s the longest anyone has ever lasted) and ‘prove’ there’s nothing spooky going on, a publicity stunt to help shake the reputation of the house once and for all.
Jack has his high-tech gizmos and sets out to do the job, determined to confirm there’s no such thing as ghosts, at least not in this house. Blazer meanwhile is very much a showman of the old school and even though he could take his paid holiday, his enthusiasm (and a bit of competition with Jack) leads him to light candles, dig out the spirit board and try to make contact. Of course we know something is happening following the opening demise of the family, so it’s no surprise when Jack and Blazer discover this haunting is the real deal.
Made for almost nothing, Ghosts of Darkness is pretty much a two-hander (minus spooks). Koltes plays the rational ghost hunter with a tragic past as the straight man. Flannery is a comedian who, amongst other things, has revived classic kids' show Knightmare for the stage, and he has a ball as the sarcastic, quipping (but with his own layers) Blazer. Writer and director David Ryan Keith takes great pleasure in referencing the loud, at times overblown but never less than trashily enjoyable, horrors of both the 1960s and 1980s.
The release of Ghosts of Darkness in 2017 was met with great excitement and positive reviews, with many praising its unique blend of comedy and horror. Despite the crowded direct-to-DVD market, the film managed to secure deals with Redbox and Hulu, and its popularity only continued to grow.
With over two million views on YouTube, it quickly became a fan favourite and a must-see for horror fans. Now, a standalone sequel is in the works, set to bring back its most popular character, Jonathan Blazer, for even more thrills and chills.
Ghosts of Darkness was a true labor of love for our company, as it marked the first time an investor had taken a chance on us to produce a movie. Despite a smaller budget and tight filming schedule, the team poured their hearts and souls into the project, and the result was a truly unforgettable experience.
Filming in the beautiful and atmospheric setting of Fort William, Scotland added an extra layer of authenticity and immersion to the film, and the 18 days of production were a thrilling and enlightening experience for everyone involved.
While it may have taken some time for the film to find its audience, it has since become something of a cult classic, with a dedicated and passionate fan base that continues to grow to this day.
The movie's enduring popularity is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved, and its continued success online is a source of great pride and satisfaction for all involved.
Director - David Ryan Keith
GHOSTS OF DARKNESS
