It Comes At Night Explained: A Descent into Paranoia

What is It Comes At Night?

It Comes At Night is a 2017 American psychological horror film written and directed by Trey Edward Shults. The film stars Joel Edgerton, Christopher Abbott, Carmen Ejogo, Kelvin Harrison Jr., and Riley Keough.

The Story

The film centers on a family, Paul (Edgerton), Sarah (Ejogo), and their son Travis (Harrison Jr.), who are forced to isolate themselves in a secluded cabin in the woods as a deadly and contagious disease ravages the world. Their fragile sense of security is shattered when a desperate stranger, Will (Abbott), and his family arrive seeking shelter and resources.

Themes and Interpretations

It Comes At Night is a masterclass in building suspense and dread through ambiguity. The film intentionally leaves many questions unanswered, including the nature of the disease and the true identity of “it” that the title refers to. This ambiguity allows for multiple interpretations.

The Threat Within: The film can be seen as an exploration of how fear and paranoia can erode trust and humanity in the face of crisis. Paul’s initial distrust of Will and his family sets in motion a chain of events that leads to a tragic conclusion.

The Breakdown of Society: It Comes At Night can also be interpreted as a commentary on the potential breakdown of social order in the wake of a global disaster. The film depicts a world where survival instincts trump empathy and cooperation.

The Loss of Innocence: Travis’s descent from a sheltered child to a participant in violence reflects the film’s exploration of how innocence is lost in a world ravaged by fear.

Concluding Thoughts

It Comes At Night is a haunting and thought-provoking film that lingers long after the credits roll. By leaving the true nature of the threat ambiguous, the film forces the audience to confront their own fears and anxieties about the fragility of human connection in a world on the brink.

Questions and Answers

1. What genre is It Comes At Night?

It Comes At Night is a psychological horror film.

2. Who wrote and directed the film?

The film was written and directed by Trey Edward Shults.

3. What is the significance of the title?

The title, “It Comes At Night,” is intentionally ambiguous. It could refer to the mysterious illness, a supernatural threat, or the erosion of trust that occurs at night when fear and paranoia are heightened.

4. What is the role of the aspect ratio changes in the film?

The aspect ratio of the film changes throughout, reflecting the shrinking world and constricting sense of reality experienced by the characters.

5. What is the ending of the film?

The ending of the film is open to interpretation. It leaves the audience to ponder the fate of the characters and the true nature of the threat they face.