Dark Match blends wrestling and horror, a mix that sounds good on paper.
Directed by Lowell Dean, Dark Match follows an indie wrestling crew lured to a remote town for a show only to realize they are part of a sinister ritual. Starring Chris Jericho as the villainous promoter and Mo Jabari in his acting debut, the film leans into both genres, but not always successfully.
The film was produced by Dept 9 Studios and was released in early 2025. It premiered at several genre film festivals before securing a limited theatrical release. Now, Dark Match is available for streaming on major platforms, including Amazon Prime and Shudder, making it accessible to both wrestling and horror fans.
Jericho plays the antagonist, a character reminiscent of his wrestling persona but darker. His presence carries weight, and his delivery is strong, but at times, his performance feels too theatrical for a horror film. Jericho knows how to be menacing, but some of his lines lack subtlety.
Mo Adnan, aka Mo Jabari/Kid Chocolate, a Calgary-based wrestler making his film debut, plays the protagonist. He handles the physicality well, and his in-ring skills translate into the fight choreography. His acting, while serviceable, lacks polish in emotional scenes. There are moments where his delivery feels stiff, but considering it’s his first major role, he holds his own.
The supporting cast includes Steven Ogg, who brings an unpredictable energy to his role as one of the wrestlers caught in the horror. Ayisha Issa also delivers a strong performance, adding much-needed intensity to the film. While some secondary characters serve only as disposable victims, others contribute to the atmosphere and help flesh out the story.
The horror elements lean on suspense rather than excessive gore. There are effective shots—tight close-ups that heighten tension and wider angles that capture the eerie isolation. The lighting works for the setting, using deep shadows and a cold palette to enhance the film’s unsettling tone. However, some scenes feel underlit, making it difficult to follow the action.
Chris Jericho in Dark Match.
The fight choreography is a highlight. The wrestling sequences feel real, with well-executed moves and fluid motion. Unlike some action-heavy films where editing cuts too often, Dark Match allows sequences to breathe. The hits look solid, and the pacing works. The final fight, mixing wrestling and horror elements, is a standout.
Where the film falters is in balancing its tone. The wrestling aspect is engaging, but the horror feels predictable at times. The premise has potential, but the script struggles with pacing. Some characters exist just to be victims, making their presence forgettable.
Despite its flaws, Dark Match is an ambitious attempt at merging two distinct genres. Jericho delivers an entertaining performance, and Jabari shows promise in his debut. While it doesn’t fully succeed as a horror film, it offers something different for wrestling and horror fans alike. It’s rough around the edges, but for what it is, it’s a decent watch.
Dark Match (2025)
| Tag Line: | Wrestling’s deadliest showdown! | |
| Directed By: | Lowell Dean | |
| Written By: |
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| Cast: | Chris Jericho, Mo Adnan, Steven Ogg, Ayisha Issa, Michael Ironside | |
| Runtime: | 1 hour and 32 minutes. |
RELATED LINKS
- Dark Match links: Website * X * Instagram * Facebook
- Jan. 30,2025: ‘Dark Match’ shines a spotlight on Calgary’s Mo Jabari
