It Comes At Night (July 2017)

Official Australian release date: 6/7/17. Viewed: 9/7/17.

Director: Trey Shults

Actors: Joel Edgerton, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Christopher Abbott, Carmen Ejogo

Genre: Mystery / Horror

Rating: MA

‘It Comes At Night’ is technically a horror film, but there’s no standard horror stereotypes to be found, other than a good use of darkness and lights/lanterns. It’s definitely more of a mystery/psychological thriller, with a hint of ‘Outbreak’/‘Contagion’ thrown in. It’s nice that instead of following the pandemic, you don’t know what it is, what caused it or what’s happening around the world – the film stays with just the one family: Paul (Edgerton), Sarah (Ejogo) & their son, Travis (Harrison Jr.) in their house in up-state New York.

When another family – Will (Abbott) & Kim (Keough) – form a truce with Paul, they all seem to be making the best of life in the post-apocalyptic world. However, things aren’t always that simple and there’s plenty of moments where you question some decisions, but wonder if you would act any different in the same situation?

There’s a great score, building tension and action when needed, and great use of light, especially in the forest. No spoilers here, but this is certainly not your typical thriller/drama, with a pretty unexpected ending. While there’re not a heap of scares, there’s plenty of pressure built up and some interesting twists. All five of the actors are great, with Harrison Jr. being particularly good as the teenage son trying to cope with the new world.

Overall: Well-made, unique, human thriller.

Gav's Rating: 3.5 stars.