Occult Film Review and Analysis - A Dark Song

Summary

In this video, Dr. Justin Sledge delves into the 2016 film *A Dark Song*, highlighting its compelling portrayal of the Abramelin ritual and its thoughtful exploration of occult themes. The film follows Sophia, a grieving mother who enlists an occultist to summon her guardian angel through a complex spiritual process. Sledge analyzes the film's balance of historical accuracy and narrative, discussing its accurate references to occult practices, the evolution of its characters, and the emotional depth behind Sophia's journey. Ultimately, the film uses the ritual as a backdrop to explore the dangerous pursuit of vengeance, the transformative power of wisdom, and self-forgiveness.

Takeaways

• 😀 The film *A Dark Song* follows a grieving mother, Sophia, who seeks to summon her guardian angel using the Abramelin ritual to take revenge on her son's killers.
• 😀 The movie is praised for blending supernatural storytelling with occult practices, offering a compelling narrative while respecting historical occult traditions.
• 😀 Dr. Justin Sledge focuses on the film's portrayal of the Abramelin ritual, which involves intense asceticism, fasting, and invoking demons over 18 months to gain the ability to speak with one's guardian angel.
• 😀 The film draws inspiration from Aleister Crowley's historical involvement with the Abramelin ritual, including his failed attempts at Bell Eskin House.
• 😀 While *A Dark Song* takes liberties with the exact details of the ritual, it effectively captures the grueling spiritual process and emotional toll of occult practices.
• 😀 Sophia's name, meaning 'wisdom,' ties into the film’s themes of transformation from vengeance to understanding and forgiveness.
• 😀 The character of Joseph Solomon evokes the biblical Solomon and his association with summoning demons, providing a historical anchor for the film's occult elements.
• 😀 The film challenges traditional imagery of occult practitioners, with Solomon depicted as a scruffy, flawed figure rather than the typical elderly or charismatic magician.
• 😀 The spiritual process in the film is shown as an arduous journey, capturing the patience and asceticism required by real-life occult practices.
• 😀 *A Dark Song* disrupts the classic Faustian trope by ultimately showing Sophia gaining wisdom through repentance rather than achieving vengeance or power.
• 😀 The film is recommended for those interested in a well-researched depiction of the occult, the mystical tradition of the Abramelin ritual, and the emotional journey of grief, isolation, and spiritual growth.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the film 'A Dark Song' according to the speaker?

The main focus of 'A Dark Song' is a bereaved mother, Sophia, attempting to summon her guardian angel through a complex and dangerous occult ritual, the Abramelin ritual, in order to gain revenge on her son's killers. The film explores the consequences of invoking supernatural powers for personal gain and the dangers of unchecked grief and vengeance.

What role does the occult play in the film, and how does the film portray it?

The occult in 'A Dark Song' plays a central role, with the film focusing on a magical ritual—the Abramelin operation. The film is notable for its thoughtful depiction of the occult, blending historical accuracy with creative storytelling. While it isn't a documentary, it uses elements of real occult practices, particularly the Abramelin ritual, to create a gripping narrative that explores the spiritual and emotional toll of seeking vengeance through magical means.

How does the film balance historical research with storytelling?

The film strikes a balance by integrating well-researched occult elements into its plot while prioritizing the storytelling. The filmmaker, Liam Gavin, has done substantial research into the Abramelin ritual and occult practices, which enhances the authenticity of the film, but the story itself is a work of fiction designed to entertain and provoke thought rather than serve as a historical documentary.

What is the significance of the names of the two main characters, Sophia and Joseph Solomon?

Sophia's name, meaning wisdom, evokes the dangers of the occult as it connects to the Gnostic myth of Sophia, who inadvertently created a flawed reality. Joseph Solomon's name references the biblical King Solomon, known for summoning demons to assist in building the First Temple. These names add layers of symbolic meaning to the characters' roles in the film, tying their actions to both historical and mythical themes of power, knowledge, and the occult.

What does the film reveal about the character of Joseph Solomon?

Joseph Solomon is portrayed as a ritual expert, but not in the typical heroic or charismatic way. His appearance is far from the traditional 'magician' trope; instead, he is seen wearing ordinary clothing like badly fitting jeans and an old army jacket. His power lies not in his appearance but in his knowledge and mastery of occult rituals. His character also embodies aspects of Aleister Crowley, particularly in his alcohol abuse and sexual manipulation, which are shown to influence the ritual's progression.

What is the Abramelin ritual, and how is it central to the film's plot?

The Abramelin ritual is a complex occult operation that involves a lengthy process of fasting, purification, and seclusion over 18 months. Its purpose is to summon and bind demons and, ultimately, to communicate with one’s guardian angel to gain divine secrets. The film centers around this ritual as Sophia hires Joseph Solomon to perform it in the hopes of summoning her guardian angel for vengeance. The grueling nature of the ritual and its consequences are key themes in the film.

What historical connection does the film make to Aleister Crowley?

The film evokes Aleister Crowley’s infamous attempt to perform the Abramelin ritual at the Boleskine House on Loch Ness. It references Crowley’s flawed execution of the ritual, including his use of an incomplete translation and his abandonment of the operation after a short period. The film subtly incorporates Crowley’s legacy, particularly his association with ritual magic and the demonic forces invoked during his occult practices.

How does the film depict the consequences of invoking occult powers?

The film shows the consequences of invoking occult powers through the physical and emotional toll the ritual takes on the characters. As the ritual progresses, supernatural phenomena begin to occur, culminating in the characters facing terrifying and demonic forces. This reflects the dangers of invoking powers beyond one’s control, and the eventual breakdown of the characters—particularly Sophia—illustrates the price one must pay for seeking vengeance through such means.

What does Sophia ultimately learn from her experience in the ritual?

Sophia ultimately learns the futility of vengeance and the importance of forgiveness. After enduring torture and facing her demons, both literal and metaphorical, she gains wisdom, represented by her vision of the guardian angel. This marks her shift from seeking revenge to accepting forgiveness, not only for the killers of her son but also for herself. The film breaks the traditional Faustian trope by showing that wisdom comes not through power or vengeance, but through letting go of one's darkest impulses.

What is the significance of the film's portrayal of grief, isolation, and vengeance?

The film's portrayal of grief, isolation, and vengeance serves as a warning about the destructive power of unresolved emotions. Sophia’s journey into occult practices to exact revenge on her son’s killers reflects the dangerous path grief can take when it is unchecked. The isolation she undergoes as part of the ritual also symbolizes the emotional and psychological toll of grief, and the eventual realization that vengeance is hollow and does not bring peace or closure.