“It Comes at Night” has a runtime of 91 minutes, or 1 hour and 31 minutes. This taut and unsettling psychological horror film, however, uses every minute to maximum effect, leaving a lasting impression on viewers long after the credits roll.
Understanding the Film’s Duration and Impact
The relatively short runtime of “It Comes at Night” is a conscious choice that contributes significantly to the film’s overall impact. Director Trey Edward Shults utilizes a minimalist approach, focusing intensely on character development and building suspense through atmosphere rather than relying on jump scares or excessive gore. This brevity helps maintain a sense of claustrophobia and unease, mirroring the characters’ own confined existence and constant fear. The film’s effectiveness is not measured by its length but by its skillful execution of tension and emotional depth. Shorter films, like this, can often create a tighter, more focused narrative that resonates more powerfully than longer, more sprawling stories.
The Power of Concise Storytelling
The film’s efficiency in conveying its themes of paranoia, distrust, and the breakdown of societal norms within its 91 minutes is remarkable. By focusing on the essential elements of the story, Shults ensures that every scene contributes to the overall tension and emotional impact. The deliberate pacing, combined with a haunting score and unsettling visuals, creates an atmosphere of dread that lingers throughout the viewing experience. This concise storytelling is a deliberate stylistic choice that enhances the film’s psychological impact.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about “It Comes at Night”
Here are some frequently asked questions about “It Comes at Night,” exploring various aspects of the film’s production, themes, and reception:
1. What is “It Comes at Night” actually about?
The film centers on two families forced to share a secluded home in the wake of a mysterious global pandemic. As paranoia and fear escalate, they struggle to maintain their fragile alliance, leading to devastating consequences. The true “it” is not a monster or supernatural entity, but the darkness within themselves, the distrust and fear that drive them to make increasingly desperate and ultimately tragic choices.
2. Is “It Comes at Night” scary? Does it rely on jump scares?
While “It Comes at Night” is undeniably unsettling and suspenseful, it relies far more on psychological horror than jump scares. The film builds tension gradually through atmosphere, suggestion, and the exploration of the characters’ anxieties. It’s a film that gets under your skin, creating a pervasive sense of dread that lingers long after the movie ends. The horror stems from the unknown and the potential for betrayal, rather than explicit depictions of violence.
3. Who directed “It Comes at Night”?
Trey Edward Shults wrote and directed “It Comes at Night.” He is known for his distinctive filmmaking style, characterized by slow-burn suspense, intimate character studies, and a focus on psychological realism. His other notable films include “Waves” and “Krisha.”
4. Who are the main actors in “It Comes at Night”?
The film stars Joel Edgerton as Paul, Riley Keough as Sarah, Christopher Abbott as Travis, and Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Travis’s son, Andrew. The ensemble cast delivers powerful and nuanced performances that contribute to the film’s overall impact. Each actor portrays the growing fear and paranoia with compelling realism.
5. Where was “It Comes at Night” filmed?
“It Comes at Night” was primarily filmed in the Catskill Mountains of New York. The remote and isolated setting contributes significantly to the film’s atmosphere of dread and confinement. The dense woods and dilapidated farmhouse create a sense of vulnerability and unease.
6. What is the meaning of the title “It Comes at Night”?
The title is deliberately ambiguous, leaving the interpretation open to the viewer. It could refer to the physical threat of the unseen illness or the encroaching darkness of paranoia and distrust that consumes the characters. Ultimately, the “it” represents the unknown fears and anxieties that plague humanity, especially during times of crisis.
7. What is the illness in “It Comes at Night”? Is it ever explained?
The illness in “It Comes at Night” is never explicitly explained or shown. This ambiguity is intentional, as the film focuses more on the psychological impact of the threat than the specifics of the disease itself. The lack of information heightens the sense of dread and uncertainty, forcing the audience to confront their own anxieties about the unknown.
8. What is the ending of “It Comes at Night” and what does it mean?
The ending of “It Comes at Night” is bleak and devastating, highlighting the destructive consequences of paranoia and distrust. The surviving characters are left emotionally and physically scarred, their fragile alliance shattered. The ending serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of succumbing to fear and the importance of compassion and empathy in the face of crisis. The lack of resolution underscores the film’s pessimistic outlook on human nature.
9. Is “It Comes at Night” a post-apocalyptic film?
While “It Comes at Night” is set in a world ravaged by a mysterious illness, it is not a traditional post-apocalyptic film. The focus is not on the rebuilding of society or large-scale conflicts, but rather on the intimate struggles of a small group of individuals trying to survive in isolation. The film uses the backdrop of a global crisis to explore themes of paranoia, fear, and the breakdown of human relationships.
10. What are the main themes explored in “It Comes at Night”?
The main themes explored in “It Comes at Night” include:
- Paranoia and Distrust: The film explores how fear can erode trust and lead to destructive actions.
- The Breakdown of Societal Norms: In the face of crisis, the characters struggle to maintain their humanity and adhere to ethical principles.
- The Nature of Fear: The film examines how fear can be both a survival instinct and a destructive force.
- The Importance of Family: The bonds of family are tested as the characters face unimaginable challenges.
- Moral Ambiguity: The film challenges the audience to confront the difficult moral choices faced by the characters.
11. How did critics and audiences react to “It Comes at Night”?
“It Comes at Night” received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its atmosphere, performances, and psychological depth. However, some audiences were disappointed, expecting a more traditional horror film with jump scares and explicit violence. The film’s slow-burn approach and ambiguous narrative proved divisive, with some viewers finding it unsettling and thought-provoking, while others found it frustrating and unsatisfying.
12. Is “It Comes at Night” worth watching?
Whether “It Comes at Night” is worth watching depends on your personal preferences. If you enjoy slow-burn psychological horror films that explore complex themes and prioritize atmosphere over jump scares, then you will likely find “It Comes at Night” to be a rewarding and thought-provoking experience. However, if you prefer more traditional horror films with explicit violence and clear resolutions, you may find it disappointing. It’s a film that requires patience and a willingness to engage with its ambiguous and unsettling narrative. Ultimately, it is a worthwhile film for those seeking a challenging and intellectually stimulating cinematic experience.