Sarah Mason & Jake Essoe review IT COMES AT NIGHT for The HMC Network.
In an undefined post apocalyptic world where an airborne threat terrorizes humanity, Paul (Joel Edgerton), a former teacher turned survivalist desperately tries to protect his wife and teenage son. Paul's strict sense of order is threatened when Will (Christopher Abbott) lands at their door seeking refuge for himself and his family. The two families work together to survive until paranoia and mistrust creep into their seemingly cooperative co-existence resulting in monstrous consequences.
Writer/Director, Trey Edward Shults (KRISHA), does an incredible job building the tension as you are on the edge of your seat the entire film, not knowing what may be coming at you. The problem for IT COMES AT NIGHT is, nothing really does come at night. The film is an exploration into human morality in the face of survival. Even the nature of the apocalypse is never fully defined as the focus is on the two men and their conflicting need to protect their own family at by any means necessary. If you're a fan of The Walking Dead's last few seasons, where the greater danger has come from people vs zombies, than you will appreciate this film. That said, it is somewhat deceptively advertised as a horror movie, which it is not. It's a thriller, a psychological drama rather then a straight up monster flick or creature feature. What sets this film apart from the man vs is own morality films that have come before it, is Shults' steady and restrained screenplay. Shults' direction is Hitchcockian in his ability to craft an atmosphere and build suspense despite very little action. The performances are gripping, particularly by Edgerton, who sets the bar for the other cast members to follow, and they do. At the most basic level, IT COMES AT NIGHT, is a master ensemble piece.
If you're expecting a bloody, scary horror flick, be warned, you will be disappointed. If you're looking for something a bit different for Summer movie going, some scares, great dramatic tension and suspense amidst an apocalyptic backdrop, check this out. We give it an enthusiastic 8.2/10
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