Hacia la oscuridad (2007)

Deals with 90 minutes in a kidnapped hostage's life, and the frustration his family, a special ops team, and a man in charge of delivering the ransom money all feel as they rush to save him.

Director:

Antonio Negret

Writer:

Antonio Negret

Stars:

Roberto Urbina, America Ferrera, David Sutcliffe

1 nomination.

Cast

Credited cast:
Roberto Urbina	...	Jose Gutierrez
America Ferrera	...	Luiza
David Sutcliffe	...	Charlie Bain
Tony Plana	...	Carlos Gutierrez
William Atherton	...	John
Alejandra Borrero	...	Marta Gutierrez
Fernando Solórzano	...	Umberto Pompeo
Roberto Cano	...	Pedro
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Juan Carlos Arango	...	Bucko
Alonso Arias	...	Sandro
Chantelle Bogue	...	Dying Girl
Carlos Humberto Camacho	...	Roberto 'El Lobo' Sanchez
Cameron Daddo	...	Victor
Claudia Degustini	...	Sheila Mendoza
Omar Diaz	...	Customs Official

Storyline

José Gutierrez, the son of a banker in Colombia, has been kidnapped. In 90 minutes, the ransom is due or he will be killed. In real time, and in flashbacks about each main character, we see José in New York with his girlfriend and back home with Luiza an old flame; his parents seek the help of an ex-FBI agent, and José's father's makes a bargain with the devil for the ransom money; the kidnappers also face problems. The suitcase of cash is racing to the drop, but traffic delays the driver. Armed operatives are en route to where they think José is captive. Cash, drugs, guns, bargains, soldiers of fortune, dispossessed farmers, family, and death: Colombia.

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Plot Keywords:

mercenary | sport utility vehicle | ransom | colombia | drugs | 

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Taglines:

Sometimes even ransom isn't enough.

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for some strong violence, language, and a scene of sexuality

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

Spanish English

Release Date:

3 June 2008 (USA)

Also Known As:

Towards Darkness

Filming Locations:

Panama City, Panama

Company Credits

Production Co:

Towards Darkness, Macumba Films, Negret Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

94 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Connections

Remake of Darkness Minus Twelve (2004)

User Reviews

A tense and shocking film!

"Towards Darkness" really surprised me. I had heard little about it, and bought it online because I was intrigued. It is a tension-filled thriller, that kept me guessing what was going to happen next. America Ferrara does a great job in a performance unlike any other I've seen her do. The main character also does a good job. In terms of the story, it unfolds in a complex structure, with time jumps that reveal both the past and the present. Though during a few moments it ran a little long, I felt that overall the structure really helped add to the tension. It has a lot of twists and turns, and makes you realize how many things can go wrong during a single kidnapping. It also gave a great glimpse into Columbian life. All in all, the film felt authentic and exciting. It has both English and Spanish, and a cool tone. It was brutal when it had to be, and surprisingly tender as well. I would definitely recommend it, especially if you like '24' or 'Man on Fire.'