Watch The Whisperer in Darkness

The Whisperer in Darkness is an independent horror film released in 2011, directed by Sean Branney and based on the 1931 short story by H.P. Lovecraft. It is a black-and-white movie set in Vermont in the 1930s, following a skeptical literature professor who receives a series of bizarre letters from a hillbilly farmer in the remote town of Arkham. The professor, Albert Wilmarth (played by Matt Foyer), becomes intrigued by the contents of the letters, which describe strange creatures, unknown languages, and extraterrestrial technology.

As Wilmarth delves deeper into the farmer's claims, he discovers a hidden cult worshipping the creatures, known as the Mi-go. He investigates further and uncovers a conspiracy to bring the Mi-go's knowledge of technology and space travel to Earth. Wilmarth becomes the target of the cultists and is forced to flee for his life. Along the way, he meets a local librarian, Nathaniel Ward (played by Barry Lynch), who becomes his ally in the fight against the Mi-go.

The Whisperer in Darkness is a slow-burn horror movie with a noir aesthetic, featuring moody black-and-white cinematography and a suspenseful score by Troy Sterling Nies. The film is faithful to Lovecraft's original story, capturing its themes of cosmic horror and the fear of the unknown. The Mi-go are depicted as terrifyingly alien creatures, with metallic bodies and wings, speaking in a click-and-whistle language that is simultaneously fascinating and disturbing.

The cast includes several Lovecraftian regulars, such as Andrew Leman, who plays various roles in the movie, and Stephen Blackehart, Annie Abrams, Zack Gold, and Autumn Wendel. The acting is generally solid, with Foyer delivering a convincing portrayal of a rational man slowly losing his grip on reality, and Lynch adding a touch of humor to the proceedings. The supporting cast is also strong, with Blackehart in particular standing out as a menacing cultist.

The Whisperer in Darkness is a low-budget movie, but it makes the most out of its limited resources. The filmmakers use practical effects for the Mi-go, creating a sense of physicality that adds to their otherworldly nature. The movie also makes use of miniatures and stop-motion animation for its space travel sequences, evoking the pulp sci-fi of Lovecraft's era. The film's production design and costumes are also effective, capturing the period feel of the 1930s.

One of the movie's strengths is its pacing. The Whisperer in Darkness takes its time to build up its eerie atmosphere and ratchet up the tension. The opening scenes of Wilmarth reading the farmer's letters are particularly creepy, with the letters themselves being displayed on the screen as if they are coming to life. As the movie progresses, the sense of dread increases, culminating in a final act that is both suspenseful and harrowing.

The Whisperer in Darkness is not without its flaws, however. Some of the dialogue can feel stilted, and the action scenes occasionally suffer from the limitations of the low-budget production. The movie also assumes a certain level of familiarity with Lovecraft's work, which may alienate viewers who are not fans of the author's style. Finally, the ending may leave some viewers perplexed or unsatisfied, as it is deliberately ambiguous and open to interpretation.

Overall, The Whisperer in Darkness is a solid horror movie that should appeal to Lovecraft fans and aficionados of old-school noir. It is a stylish and atmospheric adaptation of one of Lovecraft's lesser-known works, with strong performances and effective scares. While it is not a perfect movie, it more than makes up for its flaws with its commitment to its source material and its willingness to embrace the weirdness of Lovecraft's universe.