“A Dark song”— what an amazing soundtrack- such is the beauty of Gold leaf.
A Dark Song (2016) is a slow-burn psychological horror film that is as much a journey into the mind as it is a descent into the occult. Directed by Liam Gavin, the film envelops its viewers in an eerie atmosphere where the boundaries between grief, guilt, and the supernatural become so blurred, they seem to merge into a singular experience. It’s a film that doesn’t just terrify through visual horror, but through the intensity of human emotion and the haunting consequences of human desire. And at the heart of its ominous pulse is Ray Harman's mystical and hypnotic score.
A Dark Song: The Beauty of the Journey into Darkness
The film tells the story of Sophia, a mother grieving the tragic loss of her child. In her sorrow, she embarks on an arcane, perilous journey—a ritual of dark magic to summon a spirit, to bargain with forces beyond comprehension, and to reach for the impossible. She enlists the help of Joseph, an occultist who guides her through the layers of this dark, esoteric world. As the two of them delve deeper into the ritual, the space around them begins to shift—becoming as much a prison as it is a sanctuary. Their ritual becomes a confrontation not just with the supernatural, but with the very soul itself.
"A Dark Song" is as much an exploration of the human psyche as it is a supernatural horror film. The beauty of the film lies in its quiet, deliberate pacing, allowing the audience to feel the weight of grief, desperation, and sacrifice. It's not the external dangers that grip you the most—it’s the internal struggle, the metaphysical journey that intertwines with the literal one. And that’s where Ray Harman's score enters—an ethereal, haunting companion to the journey into madness and the unknown.
Ray Harman’s Score: A Soundtrack of Shadows and Silent Cries
Ray Harman’s music is nothing short of a sonic incantation, an invocation that perfectly matches the ominous and spiritual undertones of the film. His score is like a quiet ritual, unfolding slowly, with layers of sound that grow in intensity just as the occult ritual unfolds. It’s as if each note is a whisper from another realm, subtly creeping in and then retreating into the shadows.
The score builds an atmosphere where the music itself seems to transcend the boundaries of the film, wrapping itself around the characters and the audience like a dark, invisible presence. Harman’s music doesn’t announce itself with bold, loud orchestral movements or grandiose melodies. Instead, it is rooted in mysticism, a delicate web of ambient drones, unsettling dissonances, and ephemeral melodies that feel like they could dissipate at any moment, leaving you stranded in a void.
Minimalism runs deep in the veins of the score. Much like the ritual itself—slow, deliberate, yet building toward something far more devastating—Harman employs long stretches of quietude where the absence of sound is as powerful as the notes that eventually fill the air. This quietness echoes the film’s themes of isolation, grief, and the painful silence that often accompanies loss.
When the music does make its presence known, it is often through dissonant drones—tones that seem to vibrate just below the surface of perception, tugging at your subconscious. These sounds seem like the vibrations of unseen forces—magical, invisible energies stirring in the air. The drones, at times hypnotic and at other times jarring, form the backbone of the score, grounding the film’s eerie atmosphere in a world beyond the visible, a world of deep, cosmic darkness.
But Harman’s score is more than just a sonic backdrop to terror; it is the breathing presence of the occult itself. When Sophia’s grief becomes entwined with her desperate yearning for resurrection, the score mirrors that shift—from sorrowful, whispered strings to more otherworldly sonic textures, evoking the feeling of something ancient and unknowable slowly seeping into the fabric of reality. These rising and falling motifs of sound act as both the emotional pulse of the film and a direct channel into the mysterious realm the characters are summoning.
The Music of Grief, Obsession, and the Spirit World
In "A Dark Song," the music reflects the cosmic dance of grief and obsession. The score flows in and out like the movements of the ritual itself—filling the empty space when the characters are alone in their thoughts, and intensifying when they are close to something unearthly. There’s a paradox at play here—the more the characters try to reach out to the spirit world, the more they are trapped within it, like moths drawn to an all-consuming flame. Harman’s music moves in tandem with this psychological unraveling, taking the audience on a journey that is as much spiritual as it is horrifying.
When the music begins to crescendo, it’s not in the typical orchestral flourishes of many horror films, but in deep, reverberating pulses and frantic strings—sounds that mirror the claustrophobic tension that builds between the two central characters. The occult ritual becomes a magnetic force, with Sophia’s and Joseph’s obsessions pulling them into an inevitable conclusion. It’s a sound that suggests danger without ever truly revealing its form, like a whisper in the dark that you can never quite make out but know, deep down, is coming closer.
The Role of Silence: Absence as Part of the Score
Perhaps one of the most mystical elements of Ray Harman’s score is his masterful use of silence. The absence of sound feels just as potent as the music itself. In those moments where the music is hushed or even absent, the tension becomes unbearable. Silence in "A Dark Song" is not emptiness; it is the space where the supernatural is felt, the place where the unspoken and the unknown press in. It is a blank canvas where grief festers and the weight of obsession becomes an oppressive force. In these moments, it’s almost as if the absence of sound gives voice to the unspeakable—an invisible presence that looms just out of view.
The Spiritual Journey, the Cost of Desire, and the Final Echo
The culmination of both the ritual and the score is a final reckoning—a moment where the music rises to a point of spiritual release, but with a terrible cost. The music swells into a symphony of sorrow, invoking a kind of mournful catharsis. It’s as if the music is carrying the weight of the souls invoked in the ritual. The final moments of the film are punctuated by a reverberating, almost divine silence, followed by a return to the drones, creating a chilling echo of the music that has long since faded. The last notes linger as if the ritual has left its mark not only on the characters but on the very fabric of reality.
Conclusion: A Dark Song—A Symphony of the Occult
Ray Harman’s score for "A Dark Song" is a deeply mystical and emotional force that does more than simply accompany the story—it becomes the story. It is the soul of the film, drawing us into a world where the lines between life and death, the living and the dead, blur into a haunting, spectral melody. Through minimalist drones, subtle dissonance, and an ever-present undercurrent of tension, Harman constructs a sonic realm that mirrors the descent of the characters into madness, obsession, and the spirit world.
As the ritual unfolds, the score serves as both guide and warning, a constant reminder of the cost of reaching too far into realms where humanity should not tread. The music isn’t just an accompaniment to the plot; it is the air the characters breathe, the whispers in the darkness, the pulse of the supernatural forces they summon—and ultimately, it is the final note in a journey toward a place where darkness and light, life and death, are no longer distinct.
In A Dark Song, the beauty of Harman's score lies not just in its ability to build tension, but in its ability to resonate with the cosmic sorrow that the film evokes—a grief that transcends the human condition, a longing that reaches across the veil into the unknown. The music doesn’t just haunt—it invokes, it entices, and in the end, it destroys, leaving the audience in a state of awe and terror long after the film ends.
"A Dark Song" is a film that captivates not only through its eerie supernatural elements but also through its profound exploration of the human soul. It is a rare blend of psychological horror, intimate drama, and occult thriller that leaves an indelible mark on its viewers. While not widely regarded as a mainstream classic, it holds a special place in the hearts of those who appreciate its haunting beauty, emotional depth, and intellectual complexity. Here’s why "A Dark Song" stands out as one of the greatest films of all time, despite being relatively under-the-radar.
Why soundtracks build a movie ?
Movie soundtracks are crucial in transforming a film from a mere visual experience to an emotionally immersive journey. Whether crafted by mainstream composers like Hans Zimmer or independent voices like Abel Korzeniowski and Martin Phipps, the soundtrack plays a vital role in storytelling, enhancing emotional connection, and creating lasting memories. Here’s why soundtracks, especially those from these talented composers, are so important:
1. Enhancing Storytelling and Emotional Tone
A powerful soundtrack enhances the emotional resonance of a film. Hans Zimmer, with his iconic scores for "Inception" and "The Dark Knight," uses music to heighten suspense and emotion, guiding the audience through the complex psychological landscapes of his films. His score for "Interstellar", with its haunting organ and soaring strings, not only captures the vastness of space but also underscores the intimate relationships at the heart of the story.
On the other hand, Abel Korzeniowski, known for his evocative work in "A Single Man" and "W.E.", uses lush, emotional compositions that beautifully reflect the inner turmoil of his characters. His music brings an almost palpable sense of longing and melancholy, transforming the emotional core of the film into a deeply felt experience.
2. Immersion and Psychological Distance
A soundtrack can draw audiences into a film’s world or create a sense of distance, influencing how connected we feel to the story. Martin Phipps, with his score for "The Honourable Woman", blends orchestral and electronic elements to create an atmosphere of tension and mystery, pulling the audience deeper into the complex political drama while enhancing the emotional weight of the characters’ personal struggles.
Zimmer's work on "Dunkirk" also shows how music can immerse viewers into a world of survival and fear. His use of a ticking clock motif subtly builds tension throughout, making the audience feel the urgency and anxiety of the soldiers on the beach.
3. Memory and Nostalgia
Music often evokes a sense of nostalgia, anchoring the audience to a character’s emotional journey. In "Call Me by Your Name," Sufjan Stevens’ score taps into themes of first love and loss, connecting us to the characters’ fleeting moments with a sense of bittersweet nostalgia. Similarly, Zimmer’s scores for "The Lion King" and "Gladiator" have become iconic, evoking deep emotional connections to themes of family, legacy, and honor.
Abel Korzeniowski's lush compositions in "A Single Man" reflect the 1960s era, grounding the film in its cultural context. His music seamlessly blends with the visuals, creating a poignant sense of nostalgia for a past that the characters cannot return to.
4. Symbolism and Subtext
Music often conveys a film’s deeper themes and subtext. Jonny Greenwood's dissonant score for "There Will Be Blood" captures the dark obsessions of Daniel Plainview, while Zimmer’s powerful themes in "Gladiator" underscore the honor, revenge, and internal struggle of Maximus. Both composers use music not only to reflect character motivations but to symbolically deepen the narrative.
In "W.E.," Abel Korzeniowski’s emotionally charged compositions mirror the parallel stories of Wallis Simpson and modern-day protagonist Wally, symbolizing love, sacrifice, and the passage of time. His music not only enhances the historical aspects of the film but connects the characters’ inner journeys in a profoundly emotional way.
5. Silence and Minimalism
Indie soundtracks often employ silence or minimalism, creating emotional space and heightening tension. In "The Social Network," Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross created a sparse, electronic soundtrack that reflects the isolation and ambition of Mark Zuckerberg. The lack of grand orchestration gives room for emotional depth and highlights the film’s introspective tone.
Abel Korzeniowski also uses minimalism to evoke emotion in "A Single Man". His subtle piano pieces capture the essence of grief and solitude, allowing the film’s quiet moments to resonate deeply with the audience.
6. Leaving a Lasting Impact
A great soundtrack lingers long after the film ends, becoming inseparable from the movie’s identity. Zimmer’s music for "Inception" and "Dune" continues to evoke the complexity and scale of the films. The powerful beats and motifs have become iconic, echoing the emotional and thematic elements of the stories themselves.
Abel Korzeniowski's score for "A Single Man" similarly leaves a lasting emotional imprint, with its blend of classical and modern elements that perfectly capture the emotional weight of the story. The music becomes inseparable from the character’s internal journey, haunting the viewer long after the film is over.
7. Transcending Language
A soundtrack’s true power is in its ability to transcend language, expressing emotions that words often can’t convey. Jonny Greenwood's minimalist, dissonant score for "Phantom Thread" speaks to the obsessive nature of the protagonist’s character without needing to be explained in dialogue. Likewise, Zimmer’s work in "The Dark Knight" and "Dunkirk" communicates urgency and tension universally, without relying on words.
In "W.E.," Korzeniowski’s lush, sweeping score speaks to the universal themes of love, loss, and longing, transcending cultural and time-period boundaries to connect with the audience on a deeply emotional level.
8. Cultural Legacy
Great soundtracks have the ability to transcend the film itself, becoming cultural touchstones. Zimmer’s scores for "The Lion King" and "Gladiator" are so iconic that they’ve become associated with universal themes of family, legacy, and honor, remaining part of the cultural conversation long after the films have been released.
Abel Korzeniowski’s evocative scores, particularly in "W.E." and "A Single Man," continue to inspire listeners with their timeless blend of classical and modern influences, capturing the emotional heart of the films and creating a lasting musical legacy.
Conclusion
Whether created by mainstream composers like Hans Zimmer, indie maestros like Martin Phipps and Abel Korzeniowski, or a blend of both, soundtracks are essential to the emotional and narrative depth of a film. These composers shape how we feel, think, and remember the movie, using music not only as a complement to the visuals but as an emotional language in its own right. A well-crafted soundtrack has the power to elevate a film from good to great, and in many cases, it becomes as iconic as the movie itself.