In 1989 a film by the name of Society was released. It was a dark comedy that discussed the many societal issues that exist in the world around us. At the time, Writer Zeph E. Daniel was unaware of the connection that he had to the film, that he, much like the film’s protagonist, had suffered at the hands of his parents and those closest to him. The Darkside of Society allows Daniel to express to the world the sad, dark reality about his film.
What’s there to say? The Darkside of Society is one of the most difficult-to-swallow films that I’ve ever watched. In some ways the documentary follows the story of Society, again, written by Zeph–and there are often times throughout the course of the film in which we step to the side and hear Zeph recount the things that he once repressed, things that happened to him in his younger days that ultimately led to the development of his script. The Darkside of Society leans heavily into emotion and allows viewers to understand Zeph and truly access his stories.
That’s the only way this film works. The only way to keep viewers interested is to allow them to truly believe the words that come from Zeph’s mouth. His stories are wild, and there is no doubt in my mind that there are some skeptics in regard to the things that he says throughout the film–including me. However, when you can see and hear his pain throughout the course of The Darkside of Society, it makes it easier for us to understand and believe him.
I was floored by his tact and moved by his emotion from the opening moments of the documentary until the film faded to black. I could feel his pain and suffering, and while the things that he spoke of never became any easier to stomach, they certainly became more interesting.
At one point Writer-Director Larry Wade Carrell comments that when he agreed to make films with Zeph, they wouldn’t ever pull any punches. The Darkside of Society is an excellent representation of that. It’s a story that needs to be told, one that has the potential to shock and awe–and it’s a story that is rolled out in the best possible way, appealing to its viewers along the way.
Written & Directed by Larry Wade Carrell.
Starring Zeph E. Daniel, Brian Yuzna, Tony Timpone, Alan Jones, David Gregory, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/10
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