Dark Persuasion is a feature-length indie film (1 hour 50 minutes) that lives up to the "dark" in it's title. It is an emotionally powerful film about troubled youth specifically, and less directly, our troubled society and world. Paul Collins as Tommy, the male lead, gives a strong and very believable performance as a troubled and disturbed young man. As the story unfolds, we see that Tommy's history of abuse by his father is where his troubles started, and how evil acts have evil results that set off ever-increasing spirals of pain and suffering. There is a supernatural character (Alec Diehl as The Dark Influence) in the film who is apparently 'evil incarnate'. He wears a top hat and carries a walking stick and seems to show up when something bad is about to happen. Sometimes this is a little distracting, but is generally used to good effect. There is a definite undertone of a message at points throughout the film, making it clear that the filmmakers see the world in a Christian perspective, good vs. evil, God vs. Satan. This is usually handled in a way that is not preachy, and they certainly don't flinch from asking the tough questions about the nature of good and God as well as evil, pushing the envelope and depicting emotion-charged scenes of hardcore intravenous drug use and at least one killing spree. Smoking, both tobacco and marijuana, is also prominently displayed. If you're looking for light entertainment, rent a comedy. If you want a dark, thought-provoking film about real life problems that doesn't flinch or sugarcoat, check this one out. click here to order Dark Persuasion on VHS Dark Persuasion (Seraphim Pictures) (out of 4) written, directed, produced and edited by Darryl W. Hall Paul Collins as Tommy Laura Malone as Christina Brian Hale as Dylan Alec Diehl as the dark influence return to wholmmovies main page