What Comes at Night is a psychological horror film that relentlessly explores the primal instincts of survival and the destructive potential of fear, suggesting that the true monster isn’t the unseen disease lurking in the woods, but the paranoia that consumes its characters. The film ultimately argues that the instinct to protect oneself and one’s family, when fueled by irrational terror, can erode empathy, destroy trust, and lead to unimaginable cruelty, transforming otherwise decent individuals into the very thing they fear.
Unpacking the Horror: Fear as the True Antagonist
What Comes at Night stands apart from typical horror fare by eschewing jump scares and gore in favor of a slow-burn descent into psychological terror. The film’s true strength lies in its ability to cultivate an atmosphere of palpable unease and to constantly question the motivations and trustworthiness of its characters.
The Ambiguity of the Threat
The unspecified disease that plagues the outside world is a brilliant narrative device. It functions not as a clearly defined antagonist, but as a catalyst for the characters’ descent into madness. The lack of explicit information about the disease allows the audience to project their own anxieties and fears onto it, making the experience all the more unsettling.
The Breakdown of Trust
The arrival of Will, Kim, and their son Andrew throws Paul and Sarah’s carefully constructed world into disarray. The forced cohabitation, coupled with the ever-present threat of the outside world, fosters suspicion and distrust. Every interaction, every subtle glance, becomes laden with hidden meaning, contributing to the film’s suffocating atmosphere of paranoia. The erosion of trust between these two families is the true heart of the film’s horror.
The Price of Survival
Paul’s increasingly draconian measures to protect his family highlight the film’s central theme: at what cost do we preserve ourselves and our loved ones? His descent into ruthlessness, culminating in the tragic climax, forces the audience to confront the uncomfortable truth that survival instinct can override morality and empathy. The film doesn’t offer easy answers, but rather compels viewers to grapple with these difficult questions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about What Comes at Night
Q1: What is the disease that everyone is afraid of in What Comes at Night?
The film deliberately leaves the nature of the disease ambiguous. It’s suggested to be highly contagious and deadly, causing skin lesions and internal bleeding, but the specifics are never revealed. This vagueness is intentional, forcing the audience to focus on the psychological impact of the threat rather than the medical details.
Q2: Why does Paul enforce such strict rules on his family and the newcomers?
Paul’s strict rules are driven by his fear of contamination and his desire to protect his family. He believes that maintaining strict protocols is the only way to ensure their survival, even if it means sacrificing empathy and trust. He believes it is better to be overly cautious than to risk infection.
Q3: What is the significance of the dog, Stanley, in the film?
Stanley acts as an early warning system and a symbol of innocence. His eventual infection and subsequent demise serve as a catalyst for the escalating paranoia and distrust within the house. Stanley’s death is a pivotal moment, signaling the irreversible breakdown of order and trust.
Q4: Why does Andrew have nightmares and disturbing visions?
Andrew’s nightmares likely stem from the traumatic environment he’s living in, the constant fear of death, and the anxieties he absorbs from his parents. They also serve to blur the lines between reality and hallucination, contributing to the film’s overall sense of unease. The nightmares suggest the psychological toll the situation is taking on him.
Q5: Was Will and Kim’s son, Andrew, actually infected?
The film never explicitly confirms whether Andrew was infected. The ambiguity surrounding his health contributes to the overall sense of uncertainty and paranoia. It leaves the audience questioning Paul’s judgment and the justification for his actions.
Q6: What does the title, What Comes at Night, refer to?
The title refers to both the literal threat of the disease lurking in the darkness and the metaphorical threat of the inner darkness that consumes the characters. It also speaks to the primal fears that are amplified in the vulnerability of night.
Q7: Is What Comes at Night a zombie movie?
No, What Comes at Night is not a zombie movie. While the disease is deadly and contagious, it doesn’t turn people into undead creatures. The focus is on the psychological impact of the disease and the breakdown of human relationships under extreme pressure.
Q8: What is the significance of the recurring dream imagery in the film?
The recurring dream imagery, often featuring vivid colors and distorted faces, represents Andrew’s inner turmoil and the unresolved traumas he’s experiencing. These dreams serve as a visual representation of his subconscious fears and anxieties.
Q9: Why does Paul ultimately kill Will, Kim, and Andrew?
Paul kills them out of unfounded suspicion and a desperate attempt to protect his family. He believes they are infected and pose a threat, even though there is no concrete evidence to support his claims. His actions are driven by paranoia and a complete breakdown of trust.
Q10: What is the message of What Comes at Night?
The film explores the dangers of uncontrolled fear and the fragility of human morality under extreme circumstances. It suggests that the true monsters are often not external threats, but the destructive forces that reside within ourselves. It examines how fear can erode empathy and lead to devastating consequences.
Q11: Is What Comes at Night considered a slow-burn horror film?
Yes, What Comes at Night is a prime example of slow-burn horror. It prioritizes atmosphere, suspense, and psychological tension over jump scares and graphic violence. The gradual build-up of dread is what makes the film so effective and unsettling.
Q12: What are some other films that are similar to What Comes at Night in terms of themes and atmosphere?
Films like The Witch, It Comes at Night (unrelated to this film despite the similar title), The Road, The Killing of a Sacred Deer, and The Lighthouse explore similar themes of paranoia, isolation, and the dark side of human nature. They also share a similar reliance on atmosphere and psychological horror over traditional horror tropes.