Darkness Falls is a 2003 supernatural horror film directed by Jonathan Liebesman, in his feature directorial debut, and starring Chaney Kley and Emma Caulfield. Written by Joe Harris, James Vanderbilt and John Fasano, the film follows a young man who, as a child, witnessed his mother's murder at the hands of Matilda Dixon, a vengeful spirit lynched in his Maine hometown of Darkness Falls by an angry mob more than 150 years ago. Twelve years later, he returns after Dixon's spirit begins haunting the brother of his childhood girlfriend. The film features supporting performances from Sullivan Stapleton, Emily Browning, Lee Cormie, Grant Piro, Kestie Morassi, and Angus Sampson.