[Don't Be Afraid of the Dark] didn’t have too much money to spend, but it compensates with a priceless amount of atmosphere.

An impressive little thriller, full of uniquely unnerving notions, and a surefire bit of amusement for those flustered by monsters under the bed.

Certainly inspirational and occasionally haunting, with great effects, Don't Be Afraid of the Dark is also a bit overlong and padded.

The husband's hostility seems to encourage disaster, and the depiction of the couple's relationship offers something of a preview of what Stanley Kubrick would do with Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall in the early part of 'The Shining.'