Darkest Light

A moody, Wellington cityscape is the setting for this paranormal murder mystery and passion project, from first-time writer/director Floris Van Gaalen. Mark Hadlow (Mortal Engines, Willy Nilly) plays Detective David King, who becomes the prime suspect for murder after the death of his wife Elizabeth (Carmel McGlone). In this opening excerpt King wakes to find Elizabeth dead beside him. Superintendent Dean Porter (Nathanial Lees) informs King he wants to keep the investigation into her death 'in house'. King meets with Grace (Amelia Reid-Meredith), a local psychic who has helped him on cases before.

Wellington is intended to play itself in the film...the stuff coming up is going to be very explicitly at Wellington locations including some of the bars and restaurants, the waterfront, harbour and those sorts of things...when people watch the film they’ll be able to recognise the city as it is in real life.

– Director Floris Van Gaalen describes filming Darkest Light, The Dominion Post, 13 January 2022

Key Cast & Crew

Nathaniel Lees

As: Superintendent Dean Porter

Mark Hadlow

As: David King

Amelia Reid-Meredith

As: Grace Lee

Carmel McGlone

As: Elizabeth King

Andrew Garfield

Cinematographer

Floris Van Gaalen

Director, Writer, Producer, Editor