Trey Edward Shults has carved a niche for himself in the film industry with his unique storytelling and compelling narratives. One of his most notable works, It Comes at Night (2017), showcases his ability to blend psychological horror with post-apocalyptic themes, creating an atmosphere that is both tense and thought-provoking. If you're looking to dive deeper into Shults' filmography, Critily offers a comprehensive guide to his movies, including streaming options and in-depth analysis.
It Comes at Night AnalysisIt Comes at Night is a masterclass in building tension and suspense. The film revolves around a family trying to survive in a post-apocalyptic world, where an unknown disease has ravaged humanity. Shults' direction focuses on the psychological impact of isolation and fear, rather than relying on jump scares or gore. The film's ambiguous title and narrative leave room for interpretation, making it a rich subject for analysis. Critily's detailed breakdowns can help you understand the nuances and hidden meanings within the film.
Post-Apocalyptic ThemesShults' exploration of post-apocalyptic themes in It Comes at Night is both haunting and realistic. The film delves into the breakdown of societal norms and the struggle for survival, highlighting the darker aspects of human nature. The isolated setting and the constant threat of disease create a palpable sense of dread. The characters' actions and decisions are driven by fear and desperation, making their journey all the more compelling. For those interested in similar themes, Critily's curated lists can guide you to other films that explore the complexities of post-apocalyptic worlds.
Cinematography TechniquesThe cinematography in It Comes at Night plays a crucial role in enhancing the film's eerie atmosphere. Shults employs a combination of tight close-ups and wide shots to create a sense of claustrophobia and isolation. The use of natural light and shadows adds to the film's realism and tension. The camera work is often handheld, giving the film a raw and unpolished feel that complements its themes. Critily's technical analysis can provide deeper insights into the cinematography techniques used in Shults' films.
Psychological Horror ElementsIt Comes at Night excels in its use of psychological horror elements. The film's tension is built through its characters' interactions and the unseen threat of disease. Shults' decision to keep the horror elements subtle and implied, rather than explicit, makes the film all the more unsettling. The audience is left to imagine the worst, creating a sense of dread that lingers long after the film ends. For fans of psychological horror, Critily offers recommendations for similar films that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
[Similar Films]
Movie Facts
Synopsis
The production budget for It Comes at Night was approximately $5 million. Despite its modest budget, the film's critical acclaim and box office success demonstrate Shults' ability to create a compelling and atmospheric film without relying on expensive special effects or big-name stars. The film's focus on character development and psychological tension, rather than action or spectacle, allows it to stand out in the crowded horror genre. For those interested in the financial aspects of film production, Critily offers insights into the budgets and box office performance of various films.
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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 lurk both outside and within.
How would you explain the ending of "It Comes at Night"?The ending of "It Comes at Night" is intentionally ambiguous, leaving viewers to interpret the final scenes. Without giving too much away, the film concludes with a sense of dread and uncertainty, emphasizing the themes of mistrust and fear that have been building throughout the story. For a more detailed analysis, you can refer to film experts at Critily, who provide in-depth insights into the film's conclusion.
Is "It Comes at Night" based on a book?No, "It Comes at Night" is not based on a book. The film is an original screenplay written by Trey Edward Shults, who also directed the movie. Shults has mentioned in interviews that the story was inspired by personal fears and anxieties, as well as the desire to explore the darker aspects of human nature.
Are there any sequels or connections to other films in "It Comes at Night"?As of now, there are no official sequels or connections to other films for "It Comes at Night." The movie is a standalone story, and there have been no announcements regarding follow-ups or related projects. However, fans of the film can keep an eye on updates from Critily, as they often provide the latest news and insights on potential sequels or spin-offs.
Where was "It Comes at Night" filmed?"It Comes at Night" was primarily filmed in the forests and rural areas of New York state. The production team chose these locations to create a sense of isolation and claustrophobia that permeates the film. Specific scenes were also shot in a house built specifically for the movie in the woods of Upstate New York.
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. Despite its modest budget, the film was able to create a tense and atmospheric experience that resonated with audiences. According to official studio figures, the movie grossed over $19 million worldwide, making it a financial success.
What was the director's vision for "It Comes at Night"?Director Trey Edward Shults envisioned "It Comes at Night" as a psychological exploration of fear, paranoia, and the breakdown of trust within a family unit. He aimed to create a horror film that relied more on atmosphere and tension rather than traditional jump scares or gore. Shults has mentioned in interviews that he wanted the audience to feel the same sense of dread and uncertainty that the characters experience throughout the story.
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 26 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 resources and the need to build a house specifically for the movie in the woods.
How did "It Comes at Night" perform at the box office?"It Comes at Night" was released on June 9, 2017, and grossed over $19 million worldwide, according to official studio figures. Given its modest budget of $5 million, the film's box office performance can be considered a success. The movie's strong opening weekend and positive word-of-mouth helped it maintain a steady presence in theaters throughout its run.
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 independent filmmaking. The movie was nominated for the John Cassavetes Award at the 2018 Film Independent Spirit Awards, which honors the best feature films made for under $500,000. Additionally, the film's cinematography and direction were praised by critics and audiences alike.
What were the critic scores for "It Comes at Night"?"It Comes at Night" received generally positive reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a score of 88% based on 258 reviews, with an average rating of 7.5/10. The site's critical consensus reads, "'It Comes at Night' makes the most of its minimalist framework, delivering a secure atmosphere of creeping dread that's elevated by its strong performances and thought-provoking themes." On IMDb, the movie has a rating of 6.2/10 based on over 70,000 user votes.
How was the audience reception for "It Comes at Night"?Audience reception for "It Comes at Night" was mixed, with some viewers praising the film's atmosphere, tension, and performances, while others found it too slow or ambiguous. On CinemaScore, the movie received a grade of D, indicating that many audience members were disappointed with the film. However, it's essential to note that the movie's divisive nature has also sparked numerous discussions and debates among fans, contributing to its lasting impact. For more insights into audience reception, you can refer to Critily's analysis of the film's performance and fan reactions.
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The movie was nominated for the John Cassavetes Award at the 2018 Film Independent Spirit Awards, which honors the best feature films made for under $500,000. Additionally, the film's cinematography and direction were praised by critics and audiences alike." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What were the critic scores for \"It Comes at Night\"?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "\"It Comes at Night\" received generally positive reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a score of 88% based on 258 reviews, with an average rating of 7.5/10. The site's critical consensus reads, \"'It Comes at Night' makes the most of its minimalist framework, delivering a secure atmosphere of creeping dread that's elevated by its strong performances and thought-provoking themes.\" On IMDb, the movie has a rating of 6.2/10 based on over 70,000 user votes." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How was the audience reception for \"It Comes at Night\"?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Audience reception for \"It Comes at Night\" was mixed, with some viewers praising the film's atmosphere, tension, and performances, while others found it too slow or ambiguous. On CinemaScore, the movie received a grade of D, indicating that many audience members were disappointed with the film. However, it's essential to note that the movie's divisive nature has also sparked numerous discussions and debates among fans, contributing to its lasting impact. For more insights into audience reception, you can refer to Critily's analysis of the film's performance and fan reactions." } } ] }
