The third part of a trilogy, _Darlin'_ fails to live up to the tall order set up by its predecessor, _The Woman_ (2011).
Now, having not yet seen the first movie - _Offspring_ (2009) - I only have the second film as a point of reference. Greater mythology aside, this was still weak. A strong first, and second act, but it then fizzles out and doesn't stick the landing.
As for the tone: I was hoping for more of what _The Woman_ offered, and it was close, but veered into dark comedy more than I would like. What it holds onto is the same feminist power fantasy, only this time, instead of sinking its teeth into the conservative nuclear family, it is crucifying Christianity - specifically Catholicism. Do you know who's okay with that? This guy.
Where the story suffers is when it has to link back to the Dead River world, by which I mean, Pollyanna McIntosh shows up to remind us that this is still part of a bigger tale. _Darlin'_ really needed to simply be about a young girl who is taken in by an evil Catholic school.
Disjointed, vague at times, heavy handed with its message. I'd still recommend this to horror fans, but only if you like political messages with your gore.