Lights Out

'Lights Out (2013)' is the film that kicked off David F. Sandberg's Hollywood career, as it gained enough acclaim to warrant studio interest in a feature film adaptation. Sandberg's transition from making short horror films on YouTube to making increasingly high-profile features in the USA is inspiring. From what I've seen in interviews, behind-the-scenes footage and his own YouTube videos (which he still uploads semi-regularly despite his fame), he really seems like a genuine, down-to-earth and downright decent guy who deserves the success that he worked hard to achieve (please don't turn out to be a creep, David, I beg of you). This short horror is efficient and effective, making use of simple visual effects and confident pacing to deliver its scares. It has a strong sense of atmosphere and escalates in a somewhat expected yet satisfying way. It really does have a killer concept, too; it's easy to see why this gained the attention it did. Overall, this is a simple yet solid ultra-low-budget experience that makes the most of its concept and is enjoyable throughout. 8/10.