The Dark 1979
"An alien mutilator stalks and kills human prey during the night."
John "Bud" Cardos' 1979 chiller *The Dark* transforms the streets of Los Angeles into a hunting ground after sundown, where an otherworldly force begins claiming victims in grotesque, ritualistic fashion.
Director: John "Bud" Cardos
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Dark (1979) about?
Set in the neon-lit streets of 1979 Los Angeles, the film follows a journalist, a grieving father, and a detective as they investigate a series of brutal, ritualistic killings. Their search leads them to a mysterious psychic who alone understands the nature of the entity stalking the city after dark.
Who directed The Dark?
The Dark was directed by John "Bud" Cardos, a filmmaker known for blending horror and science fiction in visually inventive ways.
Who stars in The Dark?
The lead roles are played by William Devane, Cathy Lee Crosby, Richard Jaeckel, Keenan Wynn, and Warren J. Kemmerling, with Biff Elliot rounding out the ensemble.
Is The Dark (1979) worth watching?
For fans of gritty, atmospheric horror with a sci-fi twist, *The Dark* delivers a lean 92-minute punch of dread and mystery. While it trades big-budget spectacle for moody tension, its cult appeal lies in its tight storytelling and retro vibe—perfect for late-night viewers who enjoy '70s horror flavor without the fluff.
How long is The Dark?
The runtime of The Dark is 92 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About The Dark (1979) — A Nightmare of Cosmic Horror in 1970s LA
John "Bud" Cardos' 1979 chiller *The Dark* transforms the streets of Los Angeles into a hunting ground after sundown, where an otherworldly force begins claiming victims in grotesque, ritualistic fashion. The film follows a television reporter, the grieving father of a victim, and a seasoned detective as they race against nightfall to unravel the mystery, only to discover that the entity they're tracking—known to the few who sense it as DeRenzy—isn't of this world. Shot through with the paranoia and analog horror of late-'70s sci-fi, *The Dark* blends psychological dread with visceral creature effects, creating a moody nightmare that lingers long after the credits roll.
Casting William Devane as the determined journalist, Cathy Lee Crosby as the psychic ally, and Richard Jaeckel as the determined cop, Cardos crafts a tense, low-budget shocker that wears its influences on its sleeve yet carves out a space all its own—a cult gem for fans of offbeat '70s horror who relish tight scripts, brooding atmosphere, and the unsettling thrill of the unknown.