‘In Search of Darkness: 1990-1994 is a Love Letter to the Horror Genre [Review]’

David Weiner and the team at CreatorVC are back with a new installment in the In Search of Darkness series. And they deliver once again, bringing horror fans a must-see installment. This new addition to the popular documentary series takes a look at horror films from the years 1990-1994.

Captivating and comprehensive are just two words to sum up this documentary. With a run time just shy of six hours, it is jam-packed with commentary from some of horror’s biggest players. This includes actors, writers, directors and more. Mike Flanagan, Doug Bradley, Akela Cooper, Heather Langenkamp, Tom Savini, David Dastmalchian, and Mick Garris all make appearances—and this is just a sampling of the industry greats on deck to share their insight.

As with previous installments in this series, each year in the focused five-year-span is explored. The series highlights not only the most popular films of the time, but also lesser known cult classics and straight-to-video titles that deserve attention.

While the main focus is on the films and behind-the-scenes information, the team manages to weave in the themes of the decade. It’s a broad look at both the horror genre and societal concerns and movements of the early nineties.

The trailer alone should reel viewers in, but just in case you need a bit more convincing, here are some highlights from each year’s content…

1990: The Decade Begins 

Tremors, Nightbreed, and Frankenhooker are familiar films that kicked off this decade of horror. The crew discuss these and some lesser-known titles like Mirror Mirror, Def by Temptation, and The Suckling. Doug Bradley calls horror “undefinable”, reminding us all how diverse the genre can be. There’s also a foray into Hollywood’s desire to market horror films as thrillers.

1991: The Era of the Horror Thriller

Following discussion of horror films disguised as thrillers, we get a glimpse at one of the greatest in this category—The Silence of the Lambs. Also making horror headlines in ’91 was one of my personal favorites, Wes Craven’s The People Under the Stairs. Our horror experts discuss the shift away from practical effects as CGI emerged, and we learn about more hidden gems, like Subspecies and Sleepwalkers (anyone else remember that seen in which Brian Krause’s face morphs?)

1992: New Villains Emerge

At this point in the documentary, I’m thinking about how I miss those ’90s trailers with the voiceover synopsis. 1992 presented some heavy hitters of horror, including Candyman and Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Who can forget the epic performances of Tony Todd and Gary Oldman? I  also love the look into one of my childhood favorites, Pet Sematary Two. At this time, we hear from Clancy Brown, who played the role of Sherriff Gus Gilbert. This segment shines a light on so-called “trash horror” and we’re reminded not to overlook those low-budget or DIY films that might just become beloved favorites someday.

1993: Crossover Horror and the Boom of Home Entertainment

So many memorable movies are mentioned as we take a look at ’93. Leprechaun, Dead Alive, and Army of Darkness, just to name a few. One of my personal favorites, Hocus Pocus, receives an honorable mention as “gateway horror”. Discussion ensues surrounding the explosion of cable TV/home entertainment, and how series like Tales from the Crypt and The X-Files led to a new legion of horror fans.

1994: New Themes Emerge

Another unforgettable year, with a lens on classics like Interview with the Vampire, Wes Craven’s New Nightmare, and The Stand. We’re reminded of Jack Nicholson’s memorable turn in Wolf, and get an insider’s glimpse into Night of the Demons 2, courtesy of Amelia Kinkade.

In this series, Mike Flanagan mentions how the nineties were a formative time in his life. As an elder millennial, I couldn’t agree more with this sentiment. I love both eighties and nineties horror, but my true love of the genre grew in the early nineties. In Search of Darkness: 1990-1994 is a trip down memory lane, reveling in the films that locked in my love for the genre.

By the middle of the decade, I moved beyond reading Goosebumps and Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. I then discovered my love for horror films. From trash cinema to popular classics, these are the stories that provide escape and serve as comfort films to this day, and I know I’m not alone in this.

I loved every minute of this documentary, right down to the credits. While credits are rolling, genre lovers share their favorite horror titles from the decade. Their enthusiasm for the films and the In Search of Darkness series keeps you watching until the very end. It’s an all-around engaging experience thanks to the stellar cast, insightful commentary, inclusivity, stunning visuals, and the soundtrack.

This series and its latest installment are highly recommended for horror fans, and especially for those who came of age in the nineties. Prepare for a trip down memory lane—one that will leave you with a viewing list and a longing for a VHS stack from the video store.

In Search of Darkness: 1990-1994 is available for digital purchase at this link, where you can also join the waitlist to purchase on Blu-Ray. Digital purchase is also available here.

Wicked Rating: 10/10

Be sure to follow us on Twitter and  Facebook