Out of the Dark is a 1988 American slasher film directed by Michael Schroeder and written by Schroeder, J.S. Cardone, and Robert Goethals. Produced by Cardone and Andrew W. Garroni, the film was distributed by New Line Cinema and released in the United States on October 28, 1988.
Plot The film is set in Los Angeles and centers on a group of young women who work for a phone sex service called "Screamers." Their lives take a terrifying turn when a deranged serial killer begins targeting them. The killer, who seems to have a particular obsession with clowns, murders the women one by one, leaving behind a distinctive "clown calling card." As the body count rises, the police, led by Detective Schaefer, struggle to identify the perpetrator. Meanwhile, the surviving "Screamers" try to uncover the killer's identity themselves, realizing that one of their own or someone connected to their business might be responsible for the gruesome murders. The plot explores themes of voyeurism, urban paranoia, and the exploitation inherent in the phone sex industry.
Cast
- Karen Witter as Jo Ann
- Stephen McHattie as Detective Frank Schaefer
- Lynn Danielson-Rosenthal as Chris
- Divine as Detective Langella
- Geoffrey Lewis as Officer Armitage
- Tracey Walter as Lieutenant Kevin Hanna
- Lainie Kazan as Ruthie
- Cameron Dye as Street Kid
- Paul Bartel as Hotel Desk Clerk
- Tab Hunter as Bartender
- Jill Schoelen as Cindi
- Michael DeLorenzo as Street Kid
Production Out of the Dark was an independent production that featured an eclectic ensemble cast, including veteran character actors and the drag queen performer Divine in one of his final film roles. Divine's performance as a no-nonsense detective provided a stark contrast to his more flamboyant comedic roles, showcasing his range. The film's low budget necessitated a quick shooting schedule and practical effects for the gory sequences. It attempts to blend elements of traditional slasher films with a more neo-noir aesthetic, reflecting the urban setting and the nature of the victims' profession.
Release and Reception Upon its release, Out of the Dark received a limited theatrical run and generally mixed-to-negative reviews from critics, who often cited its derivative plot and sometimes uneven pacing. However, like many B-grade horror films of the era, it later gained a cult following among fans of 1980s slasher cinema for its unique atmosphere, the unusual casting, and its specific exploration of a then-nascent industry (phone sex). The film is remembered by some for its gritty portrayal of Los Angeles nightlife and its surprisingly dark tone.