We’re currently fascinated by Satanic Panic thanks to Peacock’s upcoming series Hysteria!, which has us thinking about other horror stories that tap into this real-life paranoia and fear. The 1980s were a prime time for such sentiments, and horror creators have been drawing from those dark emotions for inspiration ever since.
There are many ways to approach a Satanic Panic-themed horror tale, but few have done it as entertainingly as We Summon the Darkness, a 2019 film from director Marc Meyers and writer Alan Trezza. This story follows a group of 1980s heavy metal fans embroiled in a narrative involving Satanic cults and murder. It mixes a talented cast, a clever script, and a touch of humor to deliver a movie that’s part black comedy, part home invasion thriller, and entirely enjoyable. And if you’re interested, you can watch it now on Peacock.
Why We Summon the Darkness is a must-watch horror film
Set in America in 1988, the film kicks off with three friends –– Alexis (Alexandra Daddario), Val (Maddie Hasson), and Beverly (Amy Forsyth) –– heading to a heavy metal concert. While they’re having a good time on their road trip, the world around them is filled with tension. A Satanic cult is on a killing spree, leaving gruesome signs of rituals behind, and TV preachers (including Johnny Knoxville) are predicting doom. Despite the ominous signs, the girls make it to the concert and strike up a friendship with three young men (Keean Johnson, Logan Miller, and Austin Swift) who want to party with them.
After the concert, at a secluded house in the countryside, the group indulges in alcohol-fueled bonding. However, beneath the surface of the party, something more sinister is brewing, something tied to the Satanic cult and their bloody acts.
We Summon the Darkness may be five years old, but revealing more about the plot would spoil the film’s spirit, as it delights in pulling the rug out from under viewers. While you might anticipate the initial twist, subsequent events are more slippery and mischievously delightful. Meyers expertly utilizes the confined, single-location setting, transforming the party house into a chamber of horrors and surprises brimming with improvised weapons and unexpected turns, all of which the cast fully embraces. Daddario and Hasson particularly shine in their enthusiastic embrace of this horror genre, while Forsyth’s portrayal of the reluctant partygoer adds depth to the narrative.
All these elements blend to create a film that is unpredictable, darkly comedic, and punctuated by shockingly violent moments. While it may lack the budget or enigmatic allure of other Satanic Panic films, We Summon the Darkness compensates with its inventiveness, confidence, and enduring sense of fun that will keep you engaged until the end. If you haven’t yet experienced this indie horror gem, head over to Peacock and give it a watch.
For more Satanic Panic entertainment, be sure to catch all eight episodes of Hysteria! streaming on Peacock starting October 18.
