Miss Behave (Ayisha Issa), Joe Lean (Steven Ogg), Kate the Great (Sara Canning), Enigma Jones (Mo Adan), and Lazarus Smashley (Leo Fafard) all work together in a small wrestling crew. Despite the small size of their current team, they are determined to grow and eventually enter the larger wrestling scene. When their manager, Rusty (Jonathan Cherry), receives an enticing offer by phone, he accepts the job and the high-paying rewards on behalf of the team. Now the wrestling team are locked in to participate in a ‘Dark Match’. Excited by the opportunity, Rusty and the team pack their bags and head to Backwoods Town. For Miss Behave, this could be the chance she’s been waiting for to claim the title.
As the group arrives in town, a sense of unease surrounds them. Things become worse when they learn what Rusty has inadvertently led them into. Each team member will be forced to participate in a ‘Dark Match’, which includes a key, horrifying element: only one person will walk out of the ring still alive, and each match will be recorded for a private audience. In charge of these matches is a cult leader named Prophet (Chris Jericho), whose influence dominates the community. While the bloodshed entertains viewers around the world, the Prophet has his sinister plans in motion. Who will survive to claim the title and be crowned the champion of the Dark Match?
Dark Match is a horror and action film. The film was written and directed by Lowell Dean, whose previous works include Wolfcop (2014), Another Wolfcop (2016), and Die Alone (2024). While I haven’t seen all of Dean’s films, I must admit that I am a massive fan of Wolfcop. Interestingly, Dark Match carries a similar tone and themes, featuring a villain steeped in evil and a satanic cult. The film’s premise itself is playful and fun, much like Wolfcop, and elements such as the various characters being compelled to wrestle and fight in the ring evoke comparisons to other films such as Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter.
While the plot outline may seem familiar, the film has many new ideas. Firstly, all the characters within the wrestling company are likable, particularly Miss Behave (Ayisha Issa), who is intense, courageous, and determined. She doesn’t tolerate any trash talk or foul play. Each group member has distinct characteristics and key traits as wrestlers, almost as if they form a superhero team before being forced to fight one another in the ring.

As I watched, I found myself curious about the outcomes of each match and who would ultimately carry the title. While most fights are predictable, the unfolding action remains entertaining. Each bout features different fighters and additional elements, such as a fire in the centre of the ring or a sizeable high-speed fan that pushes the wrestlers around as they attempt to fly. It’s all part of the spectacle, and I enjoyed what this film offered. The open-ended conclusion also left me hopeful for what’s to come next.
Overall, if you’ve seen other works by writer and director Lowell Dean, such as Wolfcop, you’ll notice a similar blend of fun, action, and horror in Dark Match. While the film may remind you of Mortal Kombat or Street Fighter, it uniquely combines wrestling with a battle against a new level of evil, not just the opponent in the ring. I particularly enjoyed the lead performance by Ayisha Issa, who brings a fierce female character to life. Despite some predictable fight outcomes and familiar family dynamics, I thoroughly enjoyed the film. I recommend stepping into the ring with Dark Match today if you dare.
Dark Match (2024) is Available on Shudder from January 31st!
FILM SCORE: 6.6/10


Published: 29th January 2025
Written by: Peter Walkden

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