Best of Frightfest: ‘Pitch Black’ Dir. David Twohy

Best of Frightfest: As the twentieth anniversary of Arrow Video Frightfest approaches, we at team THN take a look back at some of the best and brightest films that have screened over the last two decades. Today we take a look back at Pitch Black.

Once upon a time, Vin Diesel was an unknown actor. It’s hard to believe now given that he’s the lead in one of the most (unexpectedly) successful film franchises. Before he stepped behind the wheels for The Fast and the Furious, he made his name in the science-fiction horror Pitch Black. In the film, he starred as Riddick, a supposedly dangerous criminal whose transport to incarceration is interrupted when the ship crash-lands on a strange planet. Riddick immediately escapes, and soon after, bodies start to pile up. The initial assumption that Riddick is behind them is soon put to rest when the group of survivors realise the planet in inhabited by some ferocious alien beasts. Luckily the creatures seem to have an aversion to daylight, unluckily their visit to the planet coincides with a total eclipse. The group must put aside all their differences and work together with Riddick, whom has had surgery to enable him to see in the dark, a now indispensable asset.

Pitch Black embraces elements of all the great science-fiction horror films and impressed audiences on its release. Though a little formulaic at times, it made people take notice of this particular brand of film again. For years, films were either sci-fi or horror and any that attempted both were, on the whole, cliched messes. Here Pitch Black subverted some expectations and it has some brilliant moments, both in terms of action and story. The truth behind Jack’s character is brilliantly handled. It also has its very own visual style; much of the film is set in darkness and yet thanks to some stylish photography, audiences can experience what the characters do.

The film was such a success, and audiences loved the character of Riddick so much, that two more films were created within the world. Sadly neither The Chronicles of Riddick, or Riddick were particularly great. That being said, Vin Diesel recently shared a draft of a new script featuring the character on his social media channels so looks like there’s still life in Riddick yet.

Arrow Video Frightfest returns for its twentieth year on 22nd August 2019. Full details about the event can be found on the Frightfest website.