Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Super Dark Times (2017). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
In 1996, set against the backdrop of Upstate New York, two close friends, Zach and Josh, embark on a typical teenage adventure by rating the girls in their yearbook. Their shared interest leads them to the captivating Allison.
The story takes a turn when they encounter the notoriously disliked Daryl, along with his younger companion Charlie. Later that week, the four boys gather at Josh’s home, exploring the belongings of his brother, who is serving in the military. Amid their discoveries, they stumble upon a bag of marijuana and an intriguing katana.
Things escalate when they take the katana to a hidden spot in a park near the local cemetery. Tensions rise as they confront Daryl, who has dared to steal the marijuana. A heated exchange results in Josh accidentally stabbing Daryl in the neck with the katana during their struggle. In a panic, Daryl flees the scene but tragically succumbs to his injuries in the nearby woods. The boys are left in a state of shock, deciding to hide both Daryl’s body and the weapon, hoping to bury their dark secret.
At school, whispers about Daryl’s disappearance begin to swirl, leaving Zach haunted by nightmares and Josh avoiding classes entirely. As the tension builds, Zach feels compelled to return to Daryl’s burial site while also looking forward to attending Allison’s upcoming party. However, Josh declines to join him, instead going to the party alone, where he shares his brother’s stash of weed. Disturbed by the situation, Zach soon leaves the party altogether.
Tragedy strikes again when another student, John, is found dead, and rumors suggest he may have fallen off a bridge. Zach begins to suspect foul play. Upon revisiting Daryl’s burial site, he discovers that the katana is missing and that Daryl’s corpse has been horrifically mutilated.
Desperately searching for answers, Zach heads to Josh’s home only to realize Josh is with Allison. Following her to Meghan’s house, he is met with devastation—Josh has used the katana to murder Meghan and has taken Allison hostage. In a desperate bid for survival, Zach frees Allison, leading to a fierce confrontation between the former friends. A neighbor intervenes, managing to restrain Josh, who is ultimately arrested, leaving Zach’s fate shrouded in uncertainty.
Months pass, and Allison manages to recover and returns to school, but the haunting memories linger, as a lingering camera shot reveals three distinct lines etched into the back of her neck, a testament to the traumatic events that transpired.
Timeline
Track the key events of Super Dark Times (2017) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Teenage Adventure Begins
In 1996, set in Upstate New York, friends Zach and Josh embark on a typical teenage adventure by rating the girls in their yearbook. This innocent pastime leads them to the captivating Allison, sparking their interest in her.
Encounter with Daryl and Charlie
While navigating their teenage exploits, Zach and Josh encounter Daryl, who is known for being notoriously disliked, and his younger companion Charlie. Their meeting sets the stage for escalating tensions between the boys.
Exploring Josh's Brother's Belongings
Later in the week, Zach, Josh, Daryl, and Charlie gather at Josh's home to explore the belongings of his brother, who serves in the military. Their discoveries include a bag of marijuana and a mysterious katana that intrigues them.
Confrontation at the Park
The tension escalates as the boys venture to a hidden spot in the park near a local cemetery with the katana. They confront Daryl, who has stole the marijuana, resulting in a heated exchange that leads to a tragic accident.
Daryl's Fatal Accident
In a moment of panic, Josh accidentally stabs Daryl in the neck with the katana during the struggle. Daryl flees the scene but tragically succumbs to his injuries in the nearby woods, leaving the friends horrified.
Hiding the Dark Secret
Faced with unimaginable guilt, the boys decide to hide Daryl's body and the weapon, hoping to bury their dark secret. This decision marks a turning point in their lives, filling them with fear and uncertainty.
Rumors of Daryl's Disappearance
As Daryl's disappearance becomes the talk of the school, Zach is plagued by nightmares while Josh avoids school entirely. The chilling atmosphere of the school is filled with whispers, creating an unbearable tension.
Attending Allison's Party
As rumors swirl, Zach feels an obligation to return to Daryl's burial site, conflicted over attending Allison's upcoming party. Josh, however, chooses to go to the party alone, where he shares his brother's stash of weed.
John's Mysterious Death
Tragedy strikes again when another student, John, is found dead with rumors suggesting he may have fallen off a bridge. This event deepens Zach's suspicion of foul play and heightens the already intense atmosphere.
Grim Discovery at Burial Site
Returning to the grim burial site, Zach discovers that the katana is missing and that Daryl's corpse has been horrifically mutilated. This shocking realization compels Zach to seek out answers to the chaos surrounding him.
Confrontation with Josh
Desperate for answers, Zach heads to Josh's home, only to find Josh with Allison. Following her to Meghan's house leads to a horrifying revelation—Josh has used the katana to murder Meghan and has taken Allison hostage.
Zach's Desperate Rescue
In a harrowing turn of events, Zach manages to free Allison, leading to a fierce confrontation with Josh. The struggle escalates until a neighbor intervenes, restraining Josh and ultimately leading to his arrest.
Aftermath of the Violence
Months pass following the tragic events, with Allison managing to recover and return to school. However, the haunting memories of the ordeal linger as she bears physical scars on her neck, a reminder of the trauma experienced.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Super Dark Times (2017) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Zach
Zach is portrayed as a sensitive and introspective teenager caught in a tumultuous whirlwind of events following a tragic accident. His internal conflict drives the narrative as he battles guilt and nightmares, struggling to navigate his friendships and moral compass after the horrifying incident. As the chaos escalates, he embodies the fragility of innocence amidst brutality.
Josh
Josh represents a more impulsive and reckless side of teenage life, whose actions have dire consequences for both himself and his friends. His transformation from a carefree boy to a tormented individual reflects the profound impact of violence and the weight of hidden secrets. As he descends into chaos, the depth of his character reveals a struggle for identity amidst the turmoil.
Allison
Allison embodies the complexities of teenage emotions, acting as a focal point of attraction and curiosity for **Zach** and **Josh**. Her character evolves from a symbol of innocence to one deeply affected by the violence around her. As she navigates traumatic experiences, she represents resilience, showcasing the struggle to reclaim one's life after devastating events.
Daryl
Daryl is depicted as the misunderstood antagonist in the story, instigating tension among the boys. His character's journey highlights the complexity of emotions during adolescence, flipping between friend and foe. Despite his unlikable traits, Daryl's tragic fate serves as a chilling reminder of the unforeseen consequences that arise from youthful recklessness.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Super Dark Times (2017), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
1996
The year 1996 was characterized by a blend of pre-millennial innocence and the shadows of emerging societal issues. This period, marked by a simpler, yet more complex reality, reflects the transition of adolescents grappling with newfound risks and hidden dangers that challenge their ever-evolving identities.
Location
Upstate New York
Upstate New York is known for its picturesque landscapes, quiet towns, and a sense of nostalgia that encapsulates the teenage experience. The scenery often contrasts with the darker elements lurking beneath the surface, highlighting the innocence of youth as it collides with chaos.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Super Dark Times (2017). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Violence
Violence emerges as a central theme in the movie, manifesting through the tragic events that unfold among the teenage friends. The struggle over the katana escalates into a fatal confrontation, symbolizing the loss of innocence and the irreversible impact of decisions made in moments of panic. The haunting consequences of this violence linger throughout the characters’ lives, reinforcing the heavy toll of their actions.
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Guilt
Guilt plays a pivotal role as the characters grapple with the repercussions of their choices. The accident that leads to **Daryl's** death weighs heavily on both **Zach** and **Josh**, shaping their mental state and driving the narrative forward. This persistent theme illustrates how unresolved guilt can haunt individuals and influence their relationships and decisions.
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Secrets
Secrets serve as a catalyst for the plot, driving characters to conceal the truth about **Daryl's** death and the events that follow. The act of burying not just a body, but a traumatic experience reflects the struggle of the youth to manage their emotions and consequences. These secrets ultimately unravel friendships and expose dark aspects of human nature.
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