Desde la Oscuridad (From Darkness) is a Scandinavian horror-mystery thriller released in 2024, directed by Philip W. da Silva and set deep within the eerie wilds of a Swedish nature reserve. The film blends atmospheric suspense with psychological tension, offering a story that’s both haunting and unsettling, rooted in the unknown dangers of remote landscapes and human fear.
The plot centers on Angelica, a dedicated park ranger who becomes increasingly obsessed with a woman’s disappearance within the dense wilderness she patrols. To uncover what happened, Angelica reluctantly teams up with her former partner Viktor, a dog handler whose complicated past with her adds emotional weight to their mission. As the pair venture further into the reserve’s shadowy terrain, they must confront not only the mystery of the missing woman but also the dark secrets lurking in the woods — and the unresolved tension between them.
What begins as a simple search transforms into a terrifying exploration of human vulnerability. The film uses its Nordic setting to full effect, with long stretches of desolate forests, fog-shrouded clearings, and foreboding caves creating a constant sense of unease. These environments become almost like additional characters, amplifying the psychological strain on Angelica and Viktor as they push deeper into the unknown.
As Desde la Oscuridad unfolds, the mystery becomes more complicated than a straightforward disappearance. Strange sounds, unsettling visions, and hints of supernatural forces suggest that something beyond human comprehension may be at play. This combination of thriller and horror elements keeps viewers guessing whether the real threat is something physical, something supernatural, or the darkness inside the characters themselves.
Critics have noted that while the film’s tension and setting are strong points, its pacing and narrative cohesion can be uneven. Some reviews suggest that the film struggles to balance its mystery with deeper character development, occasionally blurring the line between psychological drama and pure horror. However, the performances — especially by the two leads — help anchor the story’s emotional stakes even when the plot becomes dense or ambiguous.
Visually, Desde la Oscuridad leans into stark, atmospheric cinematography that highlights the isolation and danger of its wilderness location, making it a haunting experience for fans of slow-burn horror and survival thrillers. The film ultimately leaves audiences with an unsettling reminder that what lurks in the darkness — whether in nature or within ourselves — can be far more terrifying than expected
