Darkness Falls (2003)

Darkness Falls is a 2003 supernatural horror film directed by Jonathan Liebesman, in his feature directorial debut, and starring Chaney Kley and Emma Caulfield. Written by Joe Harris, James Vanderbilt and John Fasano, the film follows a young man who, as a child, witnessed his mother's murder at the hands of Matilda Dixon, a vengeful spirit lynched in his Maine hometown of Darkness Falls by an angry mob more than 150 years ago. Twelve years later, he returns after Dixon's spirit begins haunting the brother of his childhood girlfriend. The film features supporting performances from Sullivan Stapleton, Emily Browning, Lee Cormie, Grant Piro, Kestie Morassi, and Angus Sampson. It’s an international co-production between the United States and Australia.

Adapted from Harris's 2001 short film Tooth Fairy, Darkness Falls was a co-production between the United States and Australia. It was shot in Melbourne and Sydney, Australia in November 2001, with additional photography taking place in Maine.

Released on January 24, 2003, by Sony Pictures Releasing, Darkness Falls performed well at the North American box office, grossing $47.5 million against a budget of $11 million. It was released theatrically in Australia on August 28, 2003. The film received overwhelmingly unfavorable reviews from film critics, though it has gone on to develop a small cult following in the years since its original release. It inspired several related works, including a novelization by Keith DeCandido, a faux documentary, and a comic book prequel written by Harris and published by Dark Horse Comics.