Dark Match

Fantasia 2024: Dark Match Review

Lowell Dean’s Dark Match turns the roped enclosure of the wrestling mat into a Saw-style house of horrors.

Our guide into the world of spandex and body slams is Miss Behave (Ayisha Issa), a Black wrestler who dreams of title belt glory that may never come. Always placed in a villainous role by wrestling promoter Rusty (Jonathan Cherry), to help sell the beloved Kate the Great (Sara Canning), her only solace is her occasional trysts with fellow performer “Mean” Joe Lean (Steven Ogg).

Things turn from frustrating to terrifying for Miss Behave when Rusty books their group for a private event in a small backwoods community led by Prophet (Chris Jericho).

While Dark Match touches on the blurring lines between fanaticism and cultism, and the bigotry within both, its strength is in its action horror beats. Equally fun and outlandish, Dean ensures each set piece is bloodier and more inventive than the next. Overly ambitious at times, the plot takes big swings where it does not connect. However, Issa’s strong lead turn, along with the ’80s fever dream aesthetics, ensure that this devilishly zany ode to wrasslin’ continues to charm throughout.

A bloody fun ride, Dark Match packs an entertaining punch.

Dark Match is screening as a part of the 2024 Fantasia Film Festival.



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