When Dark Match hits Shudder later this month, viewers can expect a wild mix of professional wrestling theatrics and cult-horror chaos. While the premise promises over-the-top fun, the execution leaves much to be desired. This film delivers what’s advertised—a gritty, campy wrestling death match with horror flair—but not much beyond that.

At its core, Dark Match feels like a straightforward revenge-horror flick cloaked in wrestling gear. The narrative leans heavily into the “outsiders stumble into a backwoods nightmare” trope, with the wrestling company’s clash against a bizarre cult playing out as predictably as a scripted match. Though the concept teases originality, the story rarely rises above mediocrity.

What elevates Dark Match is its eclectic cast. Steven Ogg (The Walking Dead) leads the charge, bringing his trademark intensity and a simmering edge to the role of the company’s jaded leader. Sara Canning (Influencer) shines as the voice of reason, adding some much-needed emotional grounding. Wrestling legend Chris Jericho brings charisma and authenticity to the ring, while Ayisha Issa adds flair with her formidable screen presence.

The ensemble is undeniably talented, but the material they’re given limits their potential. Despite their best efforts, the characters feel underdeveloped, and the performances struggle to rise above the film’s lacklustre script.

Director Lowell Dean attempts to meld the visceral chaos of wrestling with the unnerving dread of a cult thriller. The result is a film that delivers a few entertaining sequences but fails to create lasting impact. The wrestling scenes are gritty and energetic, though they lack the spectacle needed to captivate non-wrestling fans.

The horror elements, meanwhile, are serviceable but never fully realised. The cult’s devious plans feel thinly sketched, and the tension rarely escalates beyond surface-level scares. The film’s low-budget charm shines through in its practical effects, but the overall execution feels too rough around the edges.

For fans of wrestling or low-budget horror, Dark Match might offer enough campy fun to warrant a watch. Its mash-up of two niche genres is undeniably intriguing, and the performances provide occasional sparks of brilliance. However, the film’s inability to fully commit to its premise or deliver a compelling story ultimately relegates it to the undercard.

Dark Match does exactly what it says on the tin—no more, no less. While it may not win any belts for originality, it’s a quick, bloody bout that some viewers will enjoy for its novelty alone.

• Saul Muerte

Dark Match will be streaming on Shudder from Jan 31.