Quick Read
- Alexandra Daddario stars in the 2019 horror film ‘We Summon the Darkness.’
- The movie explores cults, heavy metal culture, and 1980s religious paranoia.
- Critics praised Daddario’s performance and the film’s subversive approach to horror.
Few actors manage to capture a decade’s anxieties and style as convincingly as Alexandra Daddario in “We Summon the Darkness.” The 2019 horror film, now available for free streaming on Tubi and Plex, invites viewers into the world of late 1980s Indiana, where heavy metal concerts are more than just loud music—they’re a backdrop for fear, suspicion, and a cult’s deadly agenda.
Unpacking the Plot: Heavy Metal, Cults, and Deception
Set against the backdrop of the Reagan-era ‘Satanic panic,’ “We Summon the Darkness” follows three young women, all devoted heavy metal fans, as they cross paths with three men at a local concert. What begins as a night of youthful revelry quickly spirals into something far more sinister. The women, secretly members of the violent religious cult Daughters of the Dawn, lure the men into a trap. The cult has already claimed 18 victims, and the men must rely on their wits—and luck—to survive the night.
Alexandra Daddario steps into one of the film’s lead roles, bringing a mix of charm and menace that keeps the audience guessing. Her character is both a product of the era’s hysteria and a driving force behind the film’s escalating tension. Alongside Daddario, Maddie Hasson and Amy Forsyth round out the trio, each portraying the complexities of young women caught between rebellion and fanaticism.
The Cast: Chemistry, Depth, and Surprising Turns
Daddario’s performance stands out for its layered approach. Critics have praised her ability to inhabit a character who is at once alluring and unpredictable. The supporting cast amplifies the film’s energy: Maddie Hasson (known for “Elevation”) and Amy Forsyth (“Hell Fest”) bring grit to their roles, while Keean Johnson (“Alita: Battle Angel”) anchors the group of targeted men.
Johnny Knoxville, famous for his work in “Jackass,” takes a turn as the cult’s unhinged leader. His portrayal is unexpectedly nuanced, adding both humor and menace. Knoxville’s performance, according to reviews cited by Giant Freakin Robot, is captivating—his presence elevates the cult’s threat from mere caricature to something disturbingly plausible.
Critical Perspective: Humor, Subversion, and 1980s Nostalgia
On release, “We Summon the Darkness” received generally positive reviews, earning a 68% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics highlighted the film’s sharp humor and affectionate nods to horror classics. The movie doesn’t simply recreate 1980s tropes—it subverts them. Instead of relying on predictable scares, it uses wit and social commentary to probe deeper into the decade’s anxieties.
The interplay between heavy metal culture and religious paranoia is central. As the plot unfolds, the cult’s motives and methods reflect the real-world fears that swept across America during the Satanic panic. Daddario’s character, in particular, embodies this tension: she’s both seduced by and repelled by the world she inhabits.
The setting itself is a character. Everything from the costumes to the soundtrack is meticulously chosen, immersing viewers in the era’s unique blend of rebellion and dread. The film’s use of religion is clever, creating a story that could only exist in the charged atmosphere of the late 1980s.
Streaming and Legacy: How ‘We Summon the Darkness’ Found Its Audience
Now streaming for free on platforms like Tubi and Plex, “We Summon the Darkness” has found a new audience. Its blend of nostalgia and fresh storytelling appeals to both horror veterans and newcomers. The cast’s chemistry, especially the interplay between Daddario and Knoxville, keeps viewers invested even as the plot twists and turns.
The film is also a showcase for Alexandra Daddario’s range. Already known for her Emmy-nominated work in “White Lotus” and her role in the “Baywatch” movie, Daddario brings depth to a genre often dismissed as formulaic. Her performance in “We Summon the Darkness” is a reminder that horror, at its best, is about more than just scares—it’s about reflecting society’s fears and desires back at itself.
For those interested in the evolution of horror cinema, the movie is worth a closer look. It’s not just a story about cults and killers; it’s a meditation on an era when music, religion, and youth culture collided in unexpected ways.
Based on available reviews and streaming trends, “We Summon the Darkness” stands out as a smart, self-aware entry in modern horror. Alexandra Daddario’s performance anchors the film, proving that strong acting and thoughtful storytelling can elevate even the most familiar genre conventions.