Dark Match (2024) Review
By Ariel Powers-Schaub
Professional wrestling and horror share an excellent overlap in fandoms. At their best, they both involve the audience in an engrossing story, perfectly use suspension of disbelief, and often include physical stunts and special effects to wow a crowd. Screened this year at the Telluride Horror Show, Lowell Dean’s Dark Match (2024) perfectly encapsulates the spirit of both fandoms, and delivers a film for horror fans and wrestling fans alike.
In Dark Match, an independent wrestling company in the 1980s goes after a big payday on a private event. But when they arrive, they realize they have been trapped by a cult who want to use the wrestlers as sacrifices for their ritual. Professional wrestlers are both stunt people and actors, and they have to use these skills to try and escape.
Dean perfectly captures the atmosphere of independent wrestling, which is always a passionate DIY vibe led by people with a dream. That spirit is incredibly similar to indie filmmaking, and the passion for both the sport and the art come through in this film. The viewer does not have to be a wrestling fan to enjoy the movie - though having an understanding of kayfabe helps - the film tells you everything you need to know, and from there you can enjoy the impressive physical performances. It’s visually stunning, with impressive sets in an almost-single location, and neon lighting to set the tone.
Fans of occult horror, stunts, and irreverent fun in films will enjoy Dark Match. Put it on your watchlist!
4 / 5 stars
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