In the realm of psychological horror, few films have left as lasting an impression as "It Comes at Night" (2017). This gripping tale of survival and paranoia in a post-apocalyptic world has captivated audiences and critics alike. For those seeking to explore the depths of this genre, Critily offers a comprehensive film database that delves into the intricacies of such movies, providing insights and analysis that enhance the viewing experience.
Post-Apocalyptic Themes"It Comes at Night" masterfully explores the themes of survival and human nature in a post-apocalyptic setting. The film's narrative is driven by the characters' struggle to maintain their humanity in the face of an unseen, devastating plague. The isolated forest setting amplifies the sense of desolation and desperation, forcing the characters to confront their deepest fears and moral dilemmas. This theme is not just about the physical survival but also the psychological toll it takes on the individuals, making it a poignant exploration of the human condition.
Psychological Horror AnalysisThe psychological horror in "It Comes at Night" is subtle yet profoundly effective. The film relies on the slow build-up of tension and the unraveling of the characters' psyche rather than jump scares or gore. The horror stems from the unknown and the mistrust among the characters, which is a testament to the film's writing and direction. Critily's film analysis tools can help viewers dissect these elements, offering a deeper understanding of how psychological horror is crafted and its impact on the audience.
Cinematic Tension TechniquesThe film employs several cinematic techniques to build and maintain tension. The use of tight, claustrophobic shots, minimal lighting, and a haunting score all contribute to the sense of dread that permeates the film. The pacing is deliberate, allowing the tension to simmer and grow, making the eventual release all the more impactful. These techniques are a masterclass in how to create a suspenseful atmosphere, and Critily's cinematic breakdowns provide an excellent resource for those looking to study these methods in detail.
It Comes at Night Ending ExplainedThe ending of "It Comes at Night" is as ambiguous as it is haunting. Without giving away too much, the film's conclusion leaves viewers with more questions than answers, forcing them to grapple with the themes and implications of the story long after the credits roll. This open-ended approach is a hallmark of psychological horror, leaving the audience to confront their interpretations and emotions. Critily's ending explanations can help viewers navigate these complex narratives, offering insights and theories that enrich the viewing experience.
Indie Horror Success"It Comes at Night" is a shining example of how indie horror films can achieve critical and commercial success. Despite its modest budget, the film has garnered widespread acclaim for its innovative approach to the horror genre. Its success underscores the importance of strong storytelling, compelling characters, and effective use of cinematic techniques. For those interested in exploring more indie horror gems, Critily's curated lists and recommendations are an invaluable resource.
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Movie Facts
Synopsis
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Frequently Asked Questions"It Comes at Night" is a psychological horror film directed by Trey Edward Shults. The story revolves around two families, led by Paul (Joel Edgerton) and Will (Christopher Abbott), who are forced to share a home in an isolated forest while a mysterious, contagious illness spreads outside. As paranoia and tension grow, the families struggle to trust each other and cope with the horrors that unfold, both real and imagined. For a more detailed analysis, you can refer to Critily's comprehensive review.
Can you explain the ending of "It Comes at Night" without giving away too much?The ending of "It Comes at Night" is intentionally ambiguous, leaving viewers to interpret the final scenes. After a series of tragic events and mounting mistrust, the remaining family members are left in a state of uncertainty and fear. The film concludes with a haunting image that suggests the cycle of paranoia and violence may continue, emphasizing the movie's themes of fear and the unknown.
Is "It Comes at Night" based on a book or any other source material?No, "It Comes at Night" is not based on a book or any pre-existing source material. The film is an original screenplay written by Trey Edward Shults, who also directed the movie. Shults has mentioned that the story was inspired by his personal fears and anxieties, as well as his experiences with family dynamics.
Are there any sequels or connected films to "It Comes at Night"?As of now, there are no sequels or connected films to "It Comes at Night." The movie is a standalone story with no direct ties to other films. However, Trey Edward Shults has expressed interest in exploring similar themes and genres in his future projects, so fans of the movie should keep an eye out for his upcoming work.
Where was "It Comes at Night" filmed, and how do the locations contribute to the movie's atmosphere?"It Comes at Night" was primarily filmed in the forests and rural areas of New York state. The isolated and eerie locations play a crucial role in establishing the movie's tense and claustrophobic atmosphere. The dense woods and secluded house create a sense of isolation and unease, amplifying the characters' fears and paranoia.
What was the budget for "It Comes at Night," and how did it perform financially?The budget for "It Comes at Night" was approximately $5 million, making it a relatively low-budget production. Despite its modest budget, the film grossed over $19 million worldwide, according to Box Office Mojo. This financial success allowed the movie to turn a profit and solidify its status as a cult favorite among horror fans.
What was Trey Edward Shults' vision for "It Comes at Night," and how did he approach the film's themes?Trey Edward Shults' vision for "It Comes at Night" was to create a psychological horror film that explored the darker aspects of human nature, such as fear, paranoia, and mistrust. He approached these themes by focusing on the dynamics between the characters and their struggles to maintain a sense of normalcy in an increasingly chaotic and uncertain world. Shults has mentioned that he drew inspiration from classic horror films and literature, as well as his personal experiences and fears.
What were some of the production challenges faced during the filming of "It Comes at Night"?One of the main production challenges faced during the filming of "It Comes at Night" was the tight shooting schedule, which lasted only 25 days. This required careful planning and efficient use of time to ensure that all necessary scenes were captured. Additionally, the remote filming locations presented logistical challenges, such as limited access to equipment and facilities. Despite these obstacles, the cast and crew were able to complete the film on time and within budget.
How did "It Comes at Night" perform at the box office, and what was its release strategy?"It Comes at Night" was released in the United States on June 9, 2017, by A24 Films. The movie had a limited release, opening in only 725 theaters, but it gradually expanded to more screens in the following weeks. Despite its modest release strategy, the film grossed over $19 million worldwide, outperforming its $5 million budget and solidifying its status as a financial success.
Did "It Comes at Night" receive any awards or nominations?While "It Comes at Night" did not receive any major awards or nominations, it was recognized for its achievements in the horror genre. The film was nominated for Best Wide-Release Film at the 2017 Fangoria Chainsaw Awards, which celebrate excellence in horror cinema. Additionally, the movie's score, composed by Brian McOmber, was praised by critics and audiences alike for its haunting and atmospheric qualities.
What were the critic scores and reviews for "It Comes at Night"?"It Comes at Night" received generally positive reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 88% based on 247 reviews, with an average rating of 7.5/10. The website's critical consensus reads, "It Comes at Night makes lethally effective use of its stark scenario to deliver a disturbing drama whose impact lingers long after the credits roll." On Metacritic, the movie has a weighted average score of 78 out of 100, based on 40 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews."
How was "It Comes at Night" received by audiences, and what is its IMDb rating?"It Comes at Night" received mixed reactions from audiences, with some viewers praising its atmospheric tension and thought-provoking themes, while others found its slow pace and ambiguous ending frustrating. On IMDb, the film has a rating of 6.1 out of 10, based on over 70,000 user votes. Despite the divided audience reception, the movie has gained a cult following among horror fans who appreciate its unique approach to the genre. For more insights into the film's reception, you can explore Critily's audience reviews and discussions.
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The isolated and eerie locations play a crucial role in establishing the movie's tense and claustrophobic atmosphere. The dense woods and secluded house create a sense of isolation and unease, amplifying the characters' fears and paranoia." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What was the budget for \"It Comes at Night,\" and how did it perform financially?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The budget for \"It Comes at Night\" was approximately $5 million, making it a relatively low-budget production. Despite its modest budget, the film grossed over $19 million worldwide, according to Box Office Mojo. 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For more insights into the film's reception, you can explore Critily's audience reviews and discussions." } } ] }
