Director Dave Boyle Blends J-Horror and Serial Killer Thrillers in Never After Dark
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
Director Dave Boyle discusses his upcoming horror film Never After Dark, explaining how he mixed J-Horror traditions with serial killer thrillers to create a fresh take on the haunted house genre.
For horror fans looking for something that breaks away from traditional supernatural tropes, director Dave Boyle is bringing a fresh approach to the genre with his upcoming film, Never After Dark. Following a theatrical release on September 25, the movie centers on a clairvoyant named Airi, played by Moeka Hoshi, who treats spirit exorcism less like an epic showdown and more like a routine job. However, the film quickly subverts expectations by pitting its protagonist against a force far more unpredictable than any ghost: the living.
Speaking in an interview with Polygon, Boyle explained that he wanted to craft a ghost story with an organic ending that avoids the standard redemption arcs seen in mainstream horror. Drawing on his unique background working across American indie scenes and Japanese productions, Boyle engineered a cinematic ritual using practical effects and tangible props like custom zoetropes to anchor the narrative. By making his lead character fearless against the supernatural, the film pivots into a tense psychological thriller where human antagonists pose the ultimate threat.
That unique perspective on belief systems and unseen forces traces back to Boyle's upbringing and his extensive work on projects like Netflix's House of Ninjas. By grounding Airi's spiritual practices in a distinct methodology, the film delivers a tactile, procedural horror experience that focuses on process over cheap jump scares. As modern audiences increasingly seek out stories that challenge genre conventions, Never After Dark shapes up to be one of the most compelling cinematic horror releases of the season.
Tags: Horror, Gaming Culture, Film, Streaming
Original article: Polygon