Jean-Claude Van Damme steps back into familiar territory with Darkness of Man (2024), a standard-issue revenge thriller set against the gritty backdrop of drug cartels and a young runaway. In this outing, Van Damme plays Russell, a weathered special agent burdened by a haunting promise to a dying informant: to protect her son at all costs. Directed by James Cullen Bressack, the film leans heavily on Van Damme’s brooding presence, amplified by a narration-heavy performance that feels like a budget nod to Rorschach from Watchmen.

While the voiceovers aim to add depth, they often come across as overdone, blending with the film’s shadowy visuals to create an atmosphere of well-worn clichés. That said, Darkness of Man isn’t without its merits—occasional twists break up the otherwise predictable plot, offering glimmers of intrigue. Still, it’s a largely forgettable affair, relying more on nostalgia for Van Damme’s action-hero heyday than fresh storytelling.