Bight (2026)

-Written by Kyle Bain. 

One may assume that an open relationship would be fun and fancy free. That the couple in question may feel a sense of freedom and romantic detachment that allows them to live life with less stress and more pleasure. However, when Sebastian (Mark Hapka) and Naomi (Maya Stojan) open their relationship, they find that the ramifications are far worse than they could have ever anticipated. Bight is a dark, seductive film that analyzes the consequences of our behavior. 

I suppose by the end of Bight, most viewers may ask what the hell they’ve gotten themselves into. Bight is a slow, tedious journey that is intensely sexual at every turn. The dialogue, the set design, the performances are meant to develop a sexual tone that undercuts every other aspect of the film. The sexuality of the film isn’t what one might anticipate, however. It’s not meant to appeal to someone’s labido, but rather to develop a sense of discomfort. This works sensationally, as it continues to grow throughout the course of the film, effectively telling viewers what will ultimately happen by the conclusion of the film, but remaining cryptic enough that viewers can remain focused and interested in all that transpires throughout. 

What I find incredibly intriguing about Bight is the fact that Writer-Director Maiara Walsh and Co-Writer Cameron Cowperthwaite manage to develop the film in a way where viewers don’t care about the characters. Their growth means very little to the film, and when all is said and done, I’m not sure that they have much bearing on the film at all. It feels almost as if any variety of characters could have been present in the film, and it would have been the mystery that filled the space in which they were present that would have continued to appeal to viewers. There is depth to these characters, and the performances are effective—but Bight is more about the experience than the people who are experiencing it. 

What Cowperthwaite and Walsh hoped to make was a film with edge, one that would keep viewers on their toes and question all that transpired throughout. I think they are successful in their venture. With the exception of the film’s opening scene, which ultimately makes Bight feel a bit disjointed, the film remains planted in one location. This duo creates something of a microcosm of the world around us, filled with dark tones and harsh visuals. This perpetuates the mystery and reels viewers into the film in an impressive way. 

Bight is a concise, but far reaching narrative that transcends genre, but remains mostly present in the mystery/thriller genre. There are moments of awkward comedy, genuine drama, and more—and everything is pieced together nicely. By the end of the film, the only thing that matters is the plot. It’s not about what happens to the characters, they act only as a vehicle for the narrative. Bight possesses a strong narrative and works to effectively develop dark and harrowing tones throughout. 

Directed by Maiara Walsh. 

Written by Cameron Cowperthwaite & Maiara Walsh. 

Starring Cameron Cowperthwaite, Mark Hapka, Maya Stojan, Maiara Walsh, etc. 

7.5/10 = WORTH RENTING OR BUYING