- Alexandra Daddario gives a memorable, seductive turn in the 2019 cult horror We Summon the Darkness.
- The film flips expectations: the young women are the real threat, not the men.
- Johnny Knoxville delivers a chilling performance as a violent cult leader.
- We Summon the Darkness streams free on Tubi and Plex.
H2: Why watch We Summon the Darkness
We Summon the Darkness (2019) is a sharp, stylish cult thriller that mixes black comedy, ’80s nostalgia, and genuine shocks. The movie centers on three young women who bond over heavy metal at a concert in Indiana — and then reveal their membership in a violent religious cult called the Daughters of the Dawn. The late-’80s setting leans into the era’s Satanic panic and metal culture for atmosphere and irony.
H3: Alexandra Daddario’s performance steals scenes
Alexandra Daddario plays one of the trio and brings a cool, layered intensity to a role that could have been one-note. Daddario balances sex appeal with menace, giving her character believable motivation and dark charisma. Her performance anchors the film and keeps viewers invested through each twist.
The movie also benefits from strong supporting turns. Maddie Hasson and Amy Forsyth complete the lethal trio with contrasting personalities that spark tension and unexpected comic beats. Meanwhile, Keean Johnson tries to survive as the film’s would-be final boy, navigating a reversal of familiar horror tropes.
H3: Johnny Knoxville — an MTV icon turns sinister
Johnny Knoxville surprises in an unsettling role as a cult leader who weaponizes religion for murder. Known for his slapstick stunts on Jackass, Knoxville sheds that persona to play someone chillingly persuasive and dangerous. His performance raises the stakes and adds an unpredictable edge to the story.
H3: A fresh ’80s-set horror with subversive twists
At 68% on Rotten Tomatoes, critics praised the film for its clever script, sharp humor, and affectionate nods to the horror genre. The screenplay turns common assumptions upside down: the apparently vulnerable women become the predators, while the men who seem threatening end up fighting for their lives.
The film leans into its period detail — mixtapes, leather jackets, and metal shows — which amplifies both the humor and the dread. It uses religion and retro panic as a lens to examine power, manipulation, and groupthink.
H3: Where to stream
We Summon the Darkness is available to stream free on Tubi and Plex. If you’re hunting a horror film that mixes sexiness, laughs, and genuine shocks, this underrated thriller offers an entertaining night in.
H4: Final verdict
Alexandra Daddario gives one of her most memorable genre turns in We Summon the Darkness. The film’s twists, strong ensemble, and Knoxville’s unsettling lead performance make it a standout cult pick for horror fans looking for something both stylish and subversive.
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