Dark Harvest (2023)

January 9, 2024 10:31 AM

[TRAILER] In a small Midwestern town in 1962, a deadly annual ritual unfolds when the mythical nightmare, Sawtooth Jack, rises from the cornfields and challenges the town's teenage boys in a bloody battle of survival.

Starring Casey Likes, E'myri Crutchfield, Dustin Ceithamer, Elizabeth Reaser, Jeremy Davies, Luke Kirby.

Directed by David Slade (Hard Candy, 30 Days of Night). Screenplay by Michael Gilio (Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves). Based on loosely on the novel of the same name by Norman Partridge.

Rated 71% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.

Currently streaming in the US on MGM Plus. Also available for digital rental. JustWatch.

posted by DirtyOldTown (3 comments total)

This felt like something I would love, with the retro setting, the cool mythology, the ones who don't quite get out of Omelas story, but either the writing of the main character or maybe the acting of Casey Likes (not sure which, honestly) kept stalling its engines for me. Still has style and vibes and I did enjoy it well enough.

E'myri Crutchfield feels like a star. It's always nice to see Elizabeth Reaser. Luke Kirby was solid. And Jeremy Davies Jeremies the hell out of his Davies as per usual. And David Slade is a sharp director, even if he sometimes comes across as more of a commercial stylist than an artistic voice.

But something about Richie/Casey was a serious momentum killer for me.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 10:35 AM on January 9

I have the book this is based on and haven't read it yet. Once I (finally) read the book, I will watch the movie.
posted by miss-lapin at 1:50 PM on January 9

I liked this a lot! Sawtooth Jack reminded me of Pretzel Jack from Channel Zero: The Dream Door. Definitely going to read the book now.
posted by destructive cactus at 9:13 PM on January 9