Dark Harvest

Dark Harvest

Year: 2023

Runtime: 1 h 33 m

Language: English

Director: David Slade

Echo Score: 60
FantasyHorror

In the isolated town of Ashwood, a sinister tradition unfolds each Halloween. The monstrous Sawtooth Jack rises from the cornfields, determined to take the lives of the town's children. As midnight approaches, a group of young boys must band together to confront the demonic scarecrow and protect their friends from a terrifying and deadly threat. Their bravery will be tested as they fight to survive the night and end the cycle of fear.

Dark Harvest (2023) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Dark Harvest (2023) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In the tucked‑away town of Ashwood, autumn brings more than falling leaves. The community lives under the shadow of an unsettling Halloween ritual, when the fields outside the town stir with a dark presence. As the night deepens, a towering, corn‑shrouded figure known only as Sawtooth Jack emerges, its very existence a reminder that the past never truly stays buried. The atmosphere crackles with the stale scent of corn husks and the distant echo of children’s laughter turned uneasy, setting a tone that is equal parts nostalgic harvest and chilling folklore.

At the heart of the story is Richie Shepard, a restless teenager caught between the safety of his small‑town upbringing and the lure of something far more daring. Alongside him is Kelly, a newcomer whose curiosity about the town’s customs matches Richie’s yearning to prove himself. Together they, along with a group of local boys, form a fragile alliance that must confront the looming menace before midnight, when the creature’s power is said to reach its peak. Their friendship is forged in the glow of lanterns and the shared fear of a night that threatens to claim what they hold most dear.

The film paints Ashwood with a muted palette of amber fields and shadowed barns, creating a claustrophobic world where traditions feel both comforting and oppressive. The looming cornfields act as a character in themselves, whispering secrets and hiding unseen dangers. A lingering dread mixes with the excitement of youthful rebellion, casting each moment with an uneasy balance between innocent adventure and looming peril.

As Halloween night approaches, the boys’ determination is tested, their courage measured against an ancient terror that feeds on the community’s collective fear. The story promises a tense, atmospheric clash between youthful resolve and an unrelenting, otherworldly force, inviting the audience to wonder whether the next generation can finally break the cycle that has haunted Ashwood for decades.

Last Updated: August 09, 2025 at 20:27

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Folk horror movies with sacrificial rituals like Dark Harvest

Stories where a community's dark traditions demand a terrible price.If you liked the oppressive small-town secret in Dark Harvest, you'll find similar dread in these movies. This collection features folk horror stories where ancient, cruel traditions and cycles of sacrifice create a tense, morally complex, and often bleak viewing experience.

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Narrative Summary

These narratives typically center on a protagonist who uncovers or is forced to participate in a longstanding, secretive ritual. The conflict arises from challenging the system, revealing that the true monster is often the community itself, perpetuating a cycle of violence for a perceived greater good that offers no real escape.

Why These Movies?

They are grouped by their shared foundation in folkloric horror, the theme of inescapable cyclical violence, and the oppressive atmosphere of a community bound by a dark secret. The tone is consistently dark, with high stakes and a focus on the psychological toll of tradition.

Grim teen rebellion survival stories like Dark Harvest

Young protagonists fighting a brutal, established order for survival.For viewers who enjoyed the desperate fight for survival in Dark Harvest, this list features similar movies. Discover stories about teenagers confronting a corrupt and deadly system, where their unity and courage are tested in brutal, fast-paced narratives with heavy emotional consequences.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a group of young outsiders who discover the horrific truth of the world they live in. Their journey is one of awakening, rebellion, and survival, often involving the loss of friends and a confrontation with a deeply entrenched power structure that offers little hope for a truly happy ending.

Why These Movies?

These films share a core theme of youthful rebellion against a predatory system, high intensity action, and a dark, gritty tone. They feature strong bonds of brotherhood or found family, and deliver a heavy emotional impact through themes of sacrifice, betrayal, and generational trauma.

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Dark Harvest Summary

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Dark Harvest Summary

Dark Harvest Timeline

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Dark Harvest Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Dark Harvest

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Dark Harvest

Dark Harvest Ending Explained

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Dark Harvest Ending Explained

More About Dark Harvest

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