Descent Into Darkness starts off quirky and weird, before turning into something else entirely.
Descent Into Darkness Synopsis
A goofy journalist arrives in Paris to make a documentary about European living, but a series of dangerous decisions leads to him slowly going mad.
My Thoughts on Descent Into Darkness
Descent Into Darkness, also known as Sorgoi Prakov, is a little found footage horror gem that more people should watch, and a film that will sucker punch you in your soul.
This movie doesn’t mess about either, and you will be thinking about it after watching it, and it’s not even scary in the usual horror movie way.
It’s not ghosts or monsters or some masked lunatic chasing teenagers through the woods. No. It’s real. Like, disturbingly real
At first the film is just uncomfortable and a bit weird, but it then becomes disturbing. The shift from tourist trouble to total madness is done so gradually that it sneaks up on you.
The guy playing Sorgoi, Rafaël Cherkaski, who’s also the director, which is some next-level masochism, and he nails the slow descent into madness so well it actually has you concerned for him as you watch it.
His English is broken but completely believable, and while it’s weirdly charming at first, it then becomes tragic, and by the end you’re just begging for subtitles because you’re too emotionally wrecked to understand anything anymore.
Now I’ve watched some messed up stuff in my day, but this one? This is top-tier nightmare fuel, and I’m not even exaggerating.
The found footage format of the film is pulled off really well, and the film shows Paris in quite a rough way, but it works really well.
There’s one scene that looked like they just filmed an actual crime and went, “Yeah, we’ll just leave that in.”
Now, this movie is not for everyone, and some scenes are graphic and upsetting, but if you have a strong stomach and like extreme horror, it might be for you.
I don’t really want to say too much more about it, but if you want to watch a psychological disturbing horror film, do check this film out.
Descent Into Darkness Trailer
Descent Into Darkness on IMDB
Descent Into Darkness Good Points
Disturbingly Realistic – This movie feels real. Like “I need a shower and a therapist” real.
Slow Burn That Pays Off – The pacing is brilliant. It starts off as a quirky travel doc, and by the end you’re in full psychological horror.
Incredible Performance – Rafaël Cherkaski as Sorgoi is scary good. He plays “naive tourist to unraveling lunatic” so convincingly that I honestly wasn’t sure if I was watching acting or a real breakdown.
Descent Into Darkness Bad Points
Dodgy Blood Effects – Some of the blood and gore looks like it came from a Halloween clearance bin. Not a huge deal, but it’s noticeable and kind of breaks the immersion in spots.
Very Niche Appeal – If you’re not into experimental, found-footage, psychological horror? This’ll be a total miss. You’ll just think it’s weird and gross. This is not a mainstream crowd-pleaser.
Low Budget Limits – You can feel the budget in places. Some scenes would’ve hit harder with better lighting or cleaner audio. Doesn’t ruin it, but it’s there.
Is Descent Into Darkness Worth Watching?
Well, depends. Do you like movies that make you question your life choices, your travel plans, and the overall safety of humanity? Then yes. Definitely. You sick bastard.
If you want a good night’s sleep, though? Watch Paddington 2.
I kind of loved it.
Where To Stream and Watch Descent Into Darkness?
Descent Into Darkness Director and Cast
Director – Rafaël Cherkaski.
Main Cast – Rafaël Cherkaski, Simon-Pierre Boireau, Jérémy Lornac, Elodie Bouleau, Charles Dhumerelle.
Found Footage Horror Movies 
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