The Dark Fantastic (2025) Raindance Film Festival Review

The Dark Fantastic (2025) Raindance Film Festival Review

THE DARK FANTASTIC is a psychedelic dive into the mind and work of renowned film composer Simon Boswell. This immersive journey explores Boswell’s innovative approach to music and his impact on cinema.

Directed by Lg White, who is also features as a vocalist and percussionist in Boswell’s band this part live concert, part documentary features special appearances from Iggy Pop, Dolly Parton, Ewan McGregor, Dave Rowntree, Glen Matlock and many more!

Visually this film’s aesthetic (deliberately) resembles the Velvet Underground’s hallucinatory vibe, with edited footage from the associated movies playing out in the background as cult composer Simon Boswell and his band play live excerpts from his back cannon of work.

Before each live concert segment Boswell talks to camera about how he first became involved in the associated film and there is often also interview footage from that same film’s director singing the composer’s praises.

THE DARK FANTASTIC highlights how eclectic and varied Boswell’s compositions are and serves as a reminder of a time when cinema was far more exciting and innovative than it is now. It makes one think back fondly on the likes of Michael Soavi’s STAGEFRIGHT (1987), Richard Stanley’s HARDWARE (1990) and Alejandro Jodorowsky’s SANTA SANGRE (1989)

The film was part of the 2025 Ravenheart International Film Festival’s Official Selection and has recently been chosen as part of Raindance Film Festival’s Official Selection. Director Lg White has also been nominated for the ‘Best Director In a UK Feature’ prize at Raindance Film Festival.