Is Dark Around the Stars Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Dark Around the Stars is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 100 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Dark Around the Stars Review
Last updated: January 12, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2013, Dark Around the Stars emerges as a significant entry in the Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Glen is on a drunken road trip when he plots to commit suicide on his birthday. Unlike standard genre fare, Dark Around the Stars attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
The screenplay, appearing to prioritize narrative momentum and immediate impact, sets a stage where the stakes feel personal yet universal. Under the directorial eye of Derrick Borte, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story, ensuring that the Drama elements serve the larger narrative arc rather than just providing spectacle.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Dark Around the Stars features a noteworthy lineup led by Mark Kassen. Supported by the likes of Tom Bower and Kathryn Hahn, the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes. However, the sheer charisma of Mark Kassen, Tom Bower, Kathryn Hahn manages to keep the audience invested through the film's more predictable sequences. In the broader context of 2013 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting within the Drama space.
Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship
From a technical perspective, Dark Around the Stars is a marvel of 21st-century filmmaking. The cinematography, utilizing a moody and atmospheric color palette, significantly enhances the world-building aspects of the production. Each frame seems calculated to guide the viewer's emotional response, whether through wide, sweeping vistas or tight, claustrophobic close-ups that emphasize character isolation.
Technical Excellence: The production design and visual effects provide a solid foundation for the story, ensuring that the world of the film feels lived-in and authentic, even when the narrative logic falters. Furthermore, the sonic landscape—comprising both the score and sound design—adds a layer of subtextual narrative that rewards attentive viewers.
Narrative Pacing & Structural Integrity
The structure of Dark Around the Stars follows a sophisticated brisk pace. Over its 100 minute duration, the film manages to balance exposition with action in a way that remains consistently entertaining. The second act, often the most difficult to manage, serves here as a crucible for character growth, leading toward a climax that feels both inevitable and surprising.
Critically, the editing choices by the team help maintain a narrative tension that rarely wavers. The sharp, concise editing ensures that not a single frame is wasted, making the film ideal for a modern audience that values efficiency in storytelling.
Cultural Impact & Global Resonance
Beyond its immediate entertainment value, Dark Around the Stars resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Drama landscape of 2026. It addresses concepts such as the nature of heroism and personal legacy with a level of maturity that is often missing from major releases.
This cultural relevance is likely why it has garnered a 5.5/10 rating on our platform. Films like this bridge the gap between niche interest and global appeal, proving that stories rooted in specific human experiences can find a home with audiences worldwide, from the US and UK to India and beyond.
Plot Breakdown & Philosophical Subtext
Analyzing the plot deeper, Dark Around the Stars is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into the complexity of relationships. Glen is on a drunken road trip when he plots to commit suicide on his birthday. His decision sends him on a spirited adventure.....
The philosophical underpinnings of the third act suggest a worldview that is standard for its genre yet executed with high professional polish. This is not just a commercial product; it is a piece of art that invites discussion long after the credits have finished rolling.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Dark Around the Stars (2013) is overwhelmingly divisive. With an audience rating of 5.5/10 and strong performance metrics in the Drama categories, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Whether you choose to experience it for the stellar performances from Mark Kassen, Tom Bower, Kathryn Hahn or the visual majesty of its technical execution, Dark Around the Stars is a significant contribution to the cinema of 2013. It represents the kind of filmmaking that movieMx is proud to champion—original, bold, and ultimately, deeply human.
Where to Watch Dark Around the Stars Online?
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Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
Dark Around the Stars has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.5/10, and global collection metrics, Dark Around the Stars stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2013 cinematic year.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dark Around the Stars movie hit or flop?
Dark Around the Stars has received mixed reviews with a 5.5/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Dark Around the Stars worth watching?
Dark Around the Stars is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Dark Around the Stars online?
Dark Around the Stars is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. You can also check for it on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads depending on your region.
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Synopsis
Glen is on a drunken road trip when he plots to commit suicide on his birthday. His decision sends him on a spirited adventure.....