Dark Match

Play trailer

1:42

Dark Match

Jan 2025

1h 34m

Horror

Action

Mystery & Thriller

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

68%

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19 Reviews

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

A small-time wrestling company accepts a well-paying gig in a backwoods town only to learn, too late, that the community is run by a mysterious cult leader with devious plans for their match.

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Craig D. Lindsey

RogerEbert.com

Most likely written under duress, “Match” is clogged with contradiction and ill-conceived excessiveness.

Rated: 1.5/4

Jan 31, 2025

Full Review

Jordan Hoffman

Fangoria

This grimy, low budget film will never be accused of being too original, but it’s not dull, thanks to a swift pace and some good performances.

Jan 31, 2025

Full Review

Randy Myers

San Jose Mercury News

Dark Match” is violent and funny and all but demands a sequel.

Rated: 3/4

Jan 29, 2025

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Thom Ernst

Original Cin

Although Dark Match is an homage to grindhouse films and the horror styles of the ‘80s, it also transcends the veneer of its setting. You can ponder costumed violence turning real, or you can simply enjoy it as a dramatic, violent, satisfying thriller.

Rated: B

Feb 5, 2025

Full Review

Alison Gillmor

Winnipeg Free Press

Dark Match’s wrestling sequences are entertaining, but the film could do a lot more with the smackdown between what’s real and what’s fake.

Rated: 3.5/5

Jan 31, 2025

Full Review

Andrew Parker

The Gate

Rich in spirit and performance but light in the execution department, Dark Match has a great concept that will easily appeal to genre buffs, wrestling enthusiasts, and the crossover area between the two, but it struggles to hit its own gory sweet spot.

Rated: 4/10

Jan 31, 2025

Full Review

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Darren D

"Dark Match" is a simple bit of forgettable fun in a low budget hybrid of grindhouse nostalgia & 80s horror. A tale as old as time seeing an independent wrestling promotion getting a gig in the middle of nowhere for a quick paycheck, but find themselves caught up in the ritualistic horrors of a murderous cult. The performances held up the film with the familiar faces of Canada's finest character actors.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

10/14/25

Full Review

Kenneth F

It had some potential but cheaped it out. With a few more bucks and some talent it could have been at least a B movie. Even Chris Jericho couldn't save this mess.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

04/07/25

Full Review

Alexander B

If you like horror movies and professional wrestling then you'll love this film. It's a lot of fun, interesting plot, and good cast. It's not meant to be taken seriously.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/24/25

Full Review

Jason W

Not bad but not amazing. Steven Ogg was a stand out. Story was ok. Really wanted to see what happened at the end after it cut off. I'm not a fan of cgi, but it was done very well.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

03/23/25

Full Review

Barret C

I can’t believe people invested time and money into this project….. I don’t even know where to start, from the awful script, poor developed characters, awful action, as well as a lot of the acting was cringe, poor direction, it was one of those movies you would scroll through to see if it gets any better. I am usually not this harsh but it amazes me with all the talented people in the world, movies like this are still being made…..

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

02/27/25

Full Review

Hugo S

Imagine an 80's satanic cult led by a former wrestler who organizes deadly matches recorded in VHS snuff tapes. Those who are unlucky to enter the battle ring are targeted as ritualistic sacrifices in the name of the sadistic cult leader. "Dark Match" pays tribute to the old days of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) by bringing this professional sport to a whole new level of violence. Welcome to the most lethal show on Shudder!

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

02/23/25

Full Review

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Lowell Dean

Director

Sara Canning

...Kate the Great

Chris Jericho

Prophet

Steven Ogg

Actor

Michael Eklund

Spencer

Ayisha Issa

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Dark Match: Trailer 1

1:42

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Synopsis

A small-time wrestling company accepts a well-paying gig in a backwoods town only to learn, too late, that the community is run by a mysterious cult leader with devious plans for their match.

Director: Lowell Dean
Producer: John K. MacDonald, Don Depoe, Michael Feehan, Michael Peterson, Rhonda Baker
Screenwriter: Lowell Dean
Distributor: Shudder
Production Co: Dept.9 Studios
Genre: Horror, Action, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 31, 2025, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 31, 2025
Runtime: 1h 34m

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