Dark Harbor (1999)

Dark Harbour is a quaint, little seen romantic thriller from the late 90's that sets up an alluring atmosphere in the brief time we get to spend with it, and then ventures slightly into territory that's a bit beyond its initial calculations, providing a super lurid, erotic third act that might not sit well with viewers who patiently followed it along the tracks of logic before it faltered slightly. It's funny though, because the ridiculousness of the twist ending is one of the main aspects that has made the movie stick in my mind since I saw it like eight years ago. The uniquely paired cast makes it worthwhile, as does gorgeous locations and solid cinematography, working hand in hand with neat, rain speckled sound design to bring us a low key thriller that does the trick. Alan Rickman and Polly Walker play a wealthy couple on their way to a remote getaway at a snazzy, forest covered property they own in picturesque Maine. They are about as dysfunctional as couples get; bickering, petty creatures who can't stand to be in each others presence to the point of constant tension. On their way into a secluded, densely forested region they come across an unconscious young man (Norman Reedus) who vaguely suffers amnesia and appears to be distressed, prompting them to take him with them to their abode. From their tension arises to an uncomfortable level as the drifter proves to be both a third wheel and a sinister force of unease to both, culminating in an ambient, rainy forest finale that stands as the best sequence in the film, and a nice bit of work at that. Rickman doesn't usually go for this kind of melodramatic, American stuff and it's surprising in a good way to see him flex his genre muscles. Walker, who wowed me in HBO's Rome, is overlooked and slides into any role with intuition and believability, not to mention her luscious physical presence. Reedus, an actor now known for his endless work on the increasingly dull and shabby The Walking Dead, has countless hidden genre pieces like this in his filmography, and his inherently edgy, enigmatically off kilter aura makes everyone worthwhile. This one especially so, as it's a nicely crafted little dip into a hot and cold mess of a situation that tears the rug from under you in ways you won't see coming.

So I've been on a quest to watch all things Norman Reedus, and am very happy to have found this little movie which I love. I loved it so much that after I first watched a downloaded file of it, I searched many stores online and finally found a second hand copy of the DVD on eBay, which I purchased.I like small, character-driven movies and this is one of my favorites. There are just three actors, and most of the movie takes place in the same house, so it is up to the actors and writers to make it work. I knew how it was going to end before watching, but not all the details of it, so although I would have liked to be surprised, I still enjoyed the suspense of the film and seeing how the characters reacted to one another.If you are a fan of any of these actors this is a must-see, as they all had amazing performances. I'm trying to get more people to watch it, but since it is hard to find, I guess only hard core fans will make the effort.

A few things to touch on as a response to the earlier person's comment. You just have to pay attention to what is going on in the film.(I guess they are spoilers)The red stuff under David's mouth? Poison ivy, the wife says not to scratch it or else "it will spread".David goes "insane" because the stranger is telling HIM to get out of the house, which probably proves David's theory of an affair happening between the wife and stranger; he runs after the man. David does not lose him in the woods, he simply hits the stranger a couple of times and leaves it to his wife to pick up the pieces.Only the wife eats the mushroom. I must say, after that one point with the wife and stranger, I began to feel disappointed. But the ending made up for the entire film.And for that and the very last scene... this is one of my favorite movies ever. I should have put it together earlier, but let myself get sidetracked. I was really surprised, honestly.This film is interesting, to say the least. But if you are not watching this for the performances that the actors give, I'd say you better let this one go, because that is all that keeps this certain film together.

"It's funny your worst nightmare always seems so far away!" Dark Habour's characters, a married couple (Alan Rickman & Polly Hunter) and a vagabond (Norman Reedus), are slipping into a game full of hidden sexual energy and treason. Now-and-then tantalizing breaks increase the tensions and give much space for interpretations. Good acting and a story which, if not using the brain, will leave you in confusion. You have to watch it twice at least. The very strength lies in its unconventionality and in Alan Rickman, of course. Those who love him will love this movie.Conclusion: It is not a typical prime time movie but Well Done !