It Comes At Night is the story of six different people and their story of survival after a tragic event begins to diminish the worlds population. It Comes At Night was written and directed by Trey Edward Shults and stars Joel Edgerton, Christopher Abbott, Carmen Ejogo, Riley Keough, Griffin Faulkner and Kelvin Harrison Jr. I was very excited for this movie after seeing all of the trailers and marketing for this film. I was expecting and exciting and gripping thriller. One that would keep me on my toes and one have a strong sense of excitement. It's safe to say.. I was wrong, but in the best possible way.
It Comes At Night was absolutely nothing like I thought it was going to be and that was honestly the best part about it. It was an unconventional and a gigantic risk, and that is what I think we need more of. This movie was genuinely creepy and had a lot of scenes that caused the hair on the back of my neck to stand up. I was enthralled in every scene of this movie. At the end of it I just wanted more.
Let's take a look at what made this movie so great:
1.Visual story telling- This is a movie that told you a great deal about the plot without actually saying it. If you don't pay attention to every scene in this movie, you will miss something. While that might bore most, it's exciting to see someone take the time to make a film that is so intricately made it requires all of your attention to understand it. For example: During the film there are several dream sequences, now these sequences can be recognized by looking at the aspect ratio of the film (the black bars at the top and the bottom.) Each time the character of Travis (Kevlin Harrison Jr) enters into one of the sequence the aspect ratio changes and the screen gets smaller. It notifies the viewer that this isn't reality that you're watching. Towards the end of the film the aspect ratio changed permanently. It then leaves it up to interpretation as to why the aspect ration changed. This film is filled with different story telling devices and I really loved them.
2. Tone- One thing I noticed about the film itself is it serious and quiet. It fits perfectly with the scenario these characters are in. It is a quiet movie. The silence used throughout the movie truly does help tell the story and develop characters. There is a very minimal score to this movie and most of the tension is built up off of just naturally watching the characters. I loved that. I believe the score is meant to enhance, not overshadow. I hate when a score is too over the top. I don't want to rely on music to tell me how to react. I want to react to what I am watching. This is a movie that does that. It places scenarios and scenes on screen in front of you and has you figure out your emotions on your own.
3. Acting- This movie is tremendously acted. By everyone. I believed each of the characters were in these different situations. I felt empathy for their loses and joy for the gains. I wanted to help them. I think Joel Edgerton (a favorite actor of mine) gave one of the best performances of his career. It was just terrific in that department.
Every movie has a flaw or two.
1. Ending- I thought this movie ended abruptly. I understand that it was a movie that told the stories of men and women in unfortunate and abrupt situations. However, even the ending felt a tad rushed and almost too abrupt. It wasn't anything to major to ruin the film. I just wish we could've seen the characters deal with the situation a little bit more.
2. Questions- Again, this is movie that was designed to ask questions. It was meant to make us think. I just felt like it gave the viewers just a little bit too much to handle. I don't think some of the questions will ever get answered. I am okay with that, I do know other people will not be.
I understand both sides of the coin with this movie. I can see why some people hate and others love it. I think that this movie is something to be studied and talked about. I believe it was a truly great film. I do understand that it is not for everyone. I do wish it could've ended a tad better and answered a few questions for me but overall it was a great film. It was fun to pay attention to a movie that was intricate in it's production.
I am going to give It Comes At Night and A.
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