Horror movies have been getting darker and darker, and it's not just a trend in the genre. As a result, viewers are struggling to see what's happening on screen, and it's becoming a major issue for filmmakers. This is a problem that has been noticed by many, including André Øvredal, the director of the upcoming horror film 'Passenger'.
In an interview with /Film's Jeremy Mathai, Øvredal discussed his concerns about the darkness in horror movies. He mentioned that he wanted to avoid making his film too dark, as he had recently watched a movie that was so dark he couldn't see anything. This is a common complaint among viewers, who often find it difficult to follow the plot or appreciate the visuals in darkly lit scenes.
Øvredal's approach to combating overly dark images is to ensure that there is a key light source in the frame, which will help the audience focus on the important elements. He explained that he and his crew spent a lot of time discussing the color of the light, the placement of the key light source, and the use of practical lighting. This attention to detail is evident in the trailer for 'Passenger', which features scenes lit by headlights or the glow of a dashboard.
However, it's important to note that trailer color grades do not represent the final look of a movie. The final film will likely have a different colorist, which can significantly impact the overall look and feel of the movie. Additionally, studies have shown that the mean luminance value of frames across the length of a film has decreased over time, indicating a broader trend in the industry.
Despite these challenges, it's encouraging to see directors like Øvredal addressing the issue. His commitment to making 'Passenger' more legible and visually appealing is a step in the right direction. If you're interested in seeing how he overcame the darkness problem, you can catch 'Passenger' in theaters on May 22, 2026.
