Wait Until Dark

19671h 48m Directed by Terence Young
7.3
(568 votes)
ThrillerHorror

Overview

After a flight back home, Sam Hendrix returns with a doll he innocently acquired along the way. As it turns out, the doll is actually stuffed with heroin, and a group of criminals led by the ruthless Roat has followed Hendrix back to his place to retrieve it. When Hendrix leaves for business, the crooks make their move -- and find his blind wife, Susy, alone in the apartment. Soon, a life-threatening game begins between Susy and the thugs.

Wait Until Dark

A Masterclass in Suspense: "Wait Until Dark" Still Shines Bright

Diego Santillán
Diego SantillánNov 28, 2025
"Wait Until Dark" is a masterfully crafted thriller that has stood the test of time, with its expertly woven tension and suspense continuing to captivate audiences to this day. The film tells the story of Susy Hendrix, a blind woman who finds herself in a desperate fight for survival when a group of ruthless criminals, led by the cunning Roat, invade her home in search of a doll stuffed with heroin. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the true brilliance of "Wait Until Dark" lies not in its plot, but in its execution, with director Terence Young using every trick in the book to create a sense of unease and vulnerability in the viewer.

The film's use of lighting and sound is particularly noteworthy, with the darkness and shadows used to create a sense of disorientation and confusion, mirroring Susy's own experiences as a blind woman. The sound design is also exceptional, with the creaks and groans of the old apartment building used to create a sense of tension and foreboding. But what truly sets "Wait Until Dark" apart is the performance of Audrey Hepburn, who brings a sense of depth and nuance to the role of Susy, conveying a sense of determination and resourcefulness that is both inspiring and terrifying to watch. Her portrayal of a blind woman is also noteworthy for its sensitivity and accuracy, avoiding the pitfalls of stereotyping and instead creating a fully realized and relatable character.

One of the most impressive aspects of "Wait Until Dark" is its ability to balance suspense and tension with a sense of realism and plausibility. The film's portrayal of the criminals is particularly noteworthy, with each character given a sense of motivation and backstory that adds depth and complexity to the story. The film's themes of vulnerability and empowerment are also well-explored, with Susy's blindness used as a metaphor for the ways in which we are all vulnerable and powerless at times, and the ways in which we must find the strength and resourcefulness to overcome these challenges. Overall, "Wait Until Dark" is a gripping and suspenseful thriller that is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats, with its masterful direction, strong performances, and thought-provoking themes making it a must-see for fans of the genre.

CAST

Audrey Hepburn
Audrey Hepburn
Susy Hendrix
Alan Arkin
Alan Arkin
Roat / Roat Jr. / Roat Sr.
Richard Crenna
Richard Crenna
Mike Talman
Efrem Zimbalist Jr.
Efrem Zimbalist Jr.
Sam Hendrix
Jack Weston
Jack Weston
Carlino
Samantha Jones
Samantha Jones
Lisa
Julie Herrod
Gloria
Robby Benson
Robby Benson
Boy Tossing Ball (uncredited)
Mel Ferrer
Mel Ferrer
French-Canadian Radio Speaker (voice) (uncredited)
Gary Morgan
Gary Morgan
Teenage Boy on Street (uncredited)

Trailer

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