1. Plot Summary

Set in Salt Lake City, Darkroom follows David Mills, a film-developer at the local police department, and his wife, Coy, as they process gruesome crime scene photographs. The weight of these images slowly chips away at David’s mental health, especially as Coy’s pregnancy introduces further emotional tension. The couple becomes increasingly estranged, trapped in a cycle of grief, guilt, and moral ambiguity, as the line between professional duty and personal trauma begins to blur

2. Notable Elements

• Visual Tone & Cinematography: The film utilizes stark, washed‑out color grading and claustrophobic interior framing to evoke a somber, haunting atmosphere. Many reviews praised the editing and scene construction despite its modest production values

• Tension‑filled scenes: The recurring sequences of David handling the disturbing photographs build a sense of dread. His gradual unraveling is portrayed through subtle, unsettling moments—like jolts when a photo veers into focus unexpectedly.

• Performance: While some supporting actors come off as flat, Reed Diamond’s portrayal of David stands out convincingly. His controlled deterioration gives emotional depth. Todd Bridges, in a smaller role, brings unexpected intensity despite his limited screen time

3. Themes & Messages

Darkroom explores themes of vicarious trauma, ethical burden, and emotional isolation. By processing real human horrors, David becomes a vessel for collective suffering, and his personal life fractures. These themes speak to the psychological weight carried by those in caretaker or witnessing roles—but don’t directly tie to holiday traditions or sentiments, instead presenting a meditation on moral consequence and grief.

4. Personal Impressions

• Strengths: The film’s atmosphere is undeniably heavy and immersive. Reed Diamond’s performance anchors the story with credibility. The editing works powerfully to escalate tension even with sparse dialogue and low budget.

• Weaknesses: The pacing can drag, making it feel slower than necessary. Some performances are uneven, and production design feels underdeveloped (a criticism echoed by filmmakers pointing to bland interiors and flat lighting in similar indie projects) Certain scenes feel padded without advancing character or theme.

5. Audience Recommendations

If you appreciate psychological dramas with a slow, creeping dread—particularly those focusing on trauma and guilt—or enjoy intimate indie productions with restrained performances, Darkroom may appeal. It’s less suited for viewers expecting conventional horror jump scares or high-budget stylization.

6. Trailer

7. Conclusion & Rating

Darkroom is a gritty, introspective journey into how bearing witness to tragedy can hollow a person out. While its pacing and technical limitations hold it back, the strong lead performance and moody editing elevate it above typical low-budget fare. It’s an intriguing, if imperfect, exploration of moral weight and psychological erosion.

Final Recommendation: Recommended for fans of bleak psychological thrillers and indie character studies; approach with patience and an appreciation for slow‑burn tension.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ out of 5