Haunted-house horror has found another gem. Kristy Puchko reviews “Never After Dark,” and she’s thrilled to say it’s an exceptional ghost story. Directed by Dave Boyle, this horror thriller channeling classics like “The Shining” and “The Exorcist” is set in a secluded forest bed-and-breakfast. It harbors a supernatural tale within its seemingly mundane walls, oozing an eerie aura reminiscent of the Overlook Hotel.
Moeka Hoshi stars as Airi, a clairvoyant roaming Japan, solving haunting mysteries. In “Never After Dark,” she performs rituals to bridge the living and the dead, beginning with a new job that feels off from the start. The film combines mystery with horror and gore, offering sensational scares.
Arriving at an old haunted hotel, Airi is greeted by Teiko and her skeptical son Gunji. These characters don’t notice Miku, Airi’s ghost sister, visible only in reflections. This relationship injects levity, with a mix of playfulness and intimacy amidst chilling mysteries. Yet, underneath Airi’s cheerful facade lies a life dominated by the dead. Her asymmetrical haircut symbolizes the toll of her ghostbusting vocation.
Boyle masterfully sidesteps jump scares, using wide shots to establish eerie atmospheres. His approach enhances suspense, with a ghost creeping into scenes retaining a chilling authenticity. The score and visuals further the excitement, creating a haunting mood where Airi, amid lively characters, remains the story’s grounded eye.
“Never After Dark” culminates in a thrilling and intense climax, paying tribute to its haunted house roots while providing fresh twists. It expertly blends supernatural terror with a heartfelt storyline about sisterhood, making it a must-watch for horror enthusiasts.
“Never After Dark” was reviewed at the 2026 SXSW Film Festival.