RATING★ 6.2
WORTH IT? MAYBE
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Expert Review & Ratings

See our full critical analysis and audience score for Darkland.

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WORTH WATCHING: MIXED
Editorial Verified

Is Darkland Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2017)

Zaid is a successful heart surgeon with an expensive apartment and pregnant girlfriend. One night he gets a visit from his brother Yasin, who is desperate for money, but he refuses. Soon after, Yasin is found beaten to death and Zaid is overcome with guilt. As guilt gives way to anger, Zaid becomes a masked avenger and takes on Copenhagen's criminal underworld in his quest for justice.

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✨ The Quick Verdict

ONE-TIME WATCH

If you are a fan of Thriller, Action, Drama cinema, then Darkland offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 2017 landscape.

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👥 Target Audience

Fans of Thriller films
Fans of Action films
Fans of Drama films

📔 Detailed Analysis

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2017, Darkland represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Thriller, Action, Drama category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Zaid is a successful heart surgeon with an expensive apartment and pregnant girlfriend. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Thriller, Action, Drama are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Zaid is a successful heart surgeon with an expensive apartment and pregnant girlfriend. One night he gets a visit from his brother Yasin, who is desperate for money, but he refuses. Soon after, Yasin is found beaten to death and Zaid is overcome with guilt. As guilt gives way to anger, Zaid becomes a masked avenger and takes on Copenhagen's criminal underworld in his quest for justice."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. In Darkland, we see Dar Salim utilizing their established screen presence to carry the story forward. It is a solid, workmanlike performance that serves the director's vision without overshadowing the larger narrative goals.

The direction by Fenar Ahmad is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 112 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Darkland truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Thriller, Action, Drama, then this is a highly recommended entry that delivers on its promises while offering a few surprises along the way.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 6.2/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Darkland explores the dichotomy of strength and vulnerability. The 2017 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Fenar Ahmad respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Darkland serves as a reliable piece of entertainment that will satisfy core fans while providing a solid entry point for new viewers. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Dar Salim or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Darkland is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.

Official movieMx Verdict: RECOMMENDED - QUALITY CINEMA

⏳ Time Investment

112MIN

At approximately 1.9 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.

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