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It’s been a while since I last watched a Jean-Claude Van Damme movie. The last one I caught was 2019’s “We Die Young“, and I completely missed the 2021 Netflix original “Le Dernier Mercenaire”, which only reinforces the notion that streaming platforms function as cemeteries for movies. Enter “Darkness of Man”, a movie that feels like a true comeback for the Muscles from Brussels. Once again, Van Damme proves he’s willing to go all in, unlike many of his contemporaries who settle for “geezer teasers” — quick, forgettable cash grabs that barely require a day’s work.
“Darkness of Man” is an action thriller starring Jean-Claude Van Damme as Russell Hatch, a former Interpol operative who becomes a father figure to Jayden, the son of an informant killed during a botched raid. Years later, Hatch is drawn back into the violent underworld to protect Jayden from warring gangs, navigating a treacherous landscape of crime and betrayal.
The character of Russell Hatch is a compelling one—a guilt-ridden, alcoholic former Interpol operative whose weary face tells a story of loss and regret. It’s the kind of role Jean-Claude Van Damme has been honing over the past decade, far removed from the upbeat, carefree characters he brought to life in the ’90s. In “Darkness of Man”, Hatch anchors a modern-day film noir, with Van Damme providing a steady narration throughout. Unfortunately, while Van Damme appears fully invested in his performance, the film itself doesn’t quite rise to meet his efforts. The story struggles to hold interest, leaving me disconnected despite its moody ambition.
The inciting event of the story—the death of informant Esther—unfolds in the opening scene, but it lands with little emotional weight. As an audience, we’ve just met her, and her death, meant to underpin the entire film, fails to resonate as deeply with us as it does with the characters. Hutch steps in as a surrogate guardian for Esther’s son, Jayden, yet their relationship lacks any meaningful connection. While this emotional distance is somewhat intentional, it undermines the story’s stakes, especially since Jayden’s trajectory feels predetermined—his path into the violent world of the Korean mob seems inevitable, given his grandfather and uncle are at its helm. Further compounding the issue is the lackluster performance of Emerson Min as Jayden, whose one-note delivery makes it difficult to invest in his journey.
The supporting cast of “Darkness of Man” includes a few recognizable faces that add a spark of familiarity to the film. Kristanna Loken, best remembered for “BloodRayne” and a little indie flick called “Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines“, takes on the role of Russell’s love interest. Former child star Spencer Breslin appears as the drug dealer next door, while rapper Sticky Fingaz plays Russell’s partner. Additionally, the film features cameos from Shannen Doherty, Cynthia Rothrock, and, in a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment, Eric Roberts. These appearances bring some much-needed charm to the film, as the bulk of the main cast consists of relatively unknown actors.
“Darkness of Man” has all the ingredients for a solid movie but fumbles their execution, leaving it far from reaching its potential. While there are a few enjoyable moments and the occasional solid action scene, the film as a whole drags and struggles to hold interest. I never felt invested in the story, particularly in Jayden’s character, whose connection with Russell is meant to be the emotional core of the film. Unfortunately, that bond falls flat, and since the entire narrative hinges on it, the movie ultimately failed to resonate with me.
