nightmares portray some of our most deeply held fears, especially about family, according to the famous american horror observer, joseph maddrey. for example, he explains the huge appeal of the "nightmare on elm street" franchise (1984 original directed by wes craven) as a result of its exploiting these fears. in "darkest night" williams and the director, noel tan, draw a direct line from ultra-realistic cinéma vérité style into terrifying childhood-type nightmares, disjointed time, claustrophobia, bad family relationships and twisted ghosts from the past. the result is a formula for heart-sick, demoralizing fear. during the film, although supernatural dangers abound, the viewer slowly realizes that the film's story is about a desperate, truly dysfunctional family. loved ones sought to rely on in a crisis instead lash out, buckle or commit outright betrayal. after the earthquake, and the lights go out, the film crosses over from ordinary life, into increasingly dread-filled dark scenarios.