85/100

”You will not be saved!”

I really got an unbelievably amount of excitement from this. Really reminded me of the first time I watched Carpenter’s other horror flicks and falling immensely in love with them. There’s something about the way Carpenter allows for his films to create such a rich and interesting atmosphere that you immediately get thrown into and watch in awe; then boom everything flips on its head and you’re watching some of the finest horror moments. Not a single moment of time wasted in Prince of Darkness and easily a new favorite of mine.

I just can’t believe it took me so long to watch this. I know John Carpenter is a name that when it shows up on screen you’re basically guaranteed a good time, but after watching so many good-to-mediocre horror films through the month of October, this felt like such a breath of fresh air and I can’t even lie that I thought about it even when I woke up the next morning. What makes me marvel at the film is the sense of direction that continues to creep you out throughout the entire runtime and let’s the claustrophobic feel of an abandoned church create this separate feeling of dread in you. Not a moment goes by that doesn’t feel deliberate in creating an uneven sense of the world here.

That’s what brings me to how well crafted it all is. It’s low-budget and that’s what makes it work; a fine piece of true filmmaking that relies solely on the pure genius of Carpenter and crew. Donald Pleasence acts as a sort of guide into this unknown presence and allows for the cast of Blount, Parker, & Wong to become fully active in what’s happening and watching the slow takeover form this unknown thing is just spectacular. Plus, given the low-budget, the effects are great - The Thing isn’t topped at all, but the simple work cannot go unnoticed.

This was easily the highlight of my October horror marathon and although I didn’t check out as many as I would’ve hoped, I’m so glad this got crossed off the list. Only seen about a third of Carpenter’s filmography but if his horror efforts are anything like the ones I’ve already seen; he’s easily an all-time great in my eyes. Prince if Darkness is a fantastic, spook-fest with some of the best bone-chilling scenes and effects I’ve seen in a film; highly recommended checking this out. Absolutely a new Halloween favorite!

Hooptober 9: 23/31
Horror Films Ranked
John Carpenter Marathon