Jacked In Reviews ‘In Search of Darkness: 1990-1994’ (2024)

Writer/director, David A. Weiner and Creator Robin Block, the marvellous minds behind – arguably – one of the greatest insights into ’80s horror are finally back with their brand new documentary. Only this time the shoulder pads are off – as we step into one of the most underrated decades in horror history with In Search of Darkness: 1990-1994. And with a runtime of over six hours, it’s crystal clear the dive will be just as deep and widespread as its predecessor!

We first identify the “creepers” who made their way into this decade from the last – with the likes of characters such as Freddy Krueger, Michael Myers, and Jason Voorhees (to name a few) – keeping the format we know and love. We move through the horror movies of 1990 to 1994, from the amateurish to the groundbreaking (and everything in between), picking apart each aspect with horror icons, filmmakers and fans alike.

Being described as the heroin to the ’80s cocaine, the ’90s were a grungier time for horror, this was an era that was trying to establish itself as something new.

Now for new ground, being described as the heroin to the ’80s cocaine, the ’90s were a grungier time for horror, this was an era that was trying to establish itself as something new. Not only that but ISOD: 1990-1994 smacks us in the face with the sad realisation that we’re now in the period of reboots and sequels. People forget the ’90s were fresh, innovative and sophisticated (not always, of course) in terms of ideas.

… the decade also brought us the “dawn” of CGI. With that came a huge array of effects both good, bad… and just plain ‘Lawnmower Man’.

The documentary references some iconic horror moments such as The Exorcist III’s infamous jump scare and groundbreaking fear films such as Ghostwatch. It also touches on how horror movies were finally getting the credit they deserved (albeit under the guize of Psychological Thrillers) with movies like Misery and Silence of the Lambs – which absolutely cleaned up at the Oscars. Practical effects were becoming more magnificent than ever before and the decade also brought us the “dawn” of CGI. With that came a huge array of effects both good, bad… and just plain Lawnmower Man.

As well as the ’90s sharing remarkable similarities with the previous decade – also having tremendous success with Home Video releases – we also explore new ground and get a look into the gateway to horror via terror on TV in the ’90s. The more obvious nods are made to the likes of X-files but great nostalgic trips to kids of the 90s will be had as glasses are raised to shows like Are You Afraid of the Dark?, Goosebumps and Tales from the Crypt.

Hopefully, it inspires filmmakers of today to do the next unique thing that hasn’t been seen before in the world of not just horror, but cinema in general!

Although there is still a great deal of the decade to explore, this first instalment (and we already can’t wait for the second!) still has an impact and demonstrates what was accomplished. Hopefully, it inspires filmmakers of today to do the next unique thing that hasn’t been seen before in the world of not just horror, but cinema in general!

In conclusion, Weiner and Block once again deliver an insight like no other that is ensured to offer a great deal of gratification to all the horror heads out there. And of course, this ’90s horror doc extravaganza offers an array of horrific viewing recommendations for fans of the genre. So, get your pad and pens (… or thumb and phones) at the ready!

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