Trey Edward Shults’ It Comes at Night (2017) is not your typical horror film. While it contains elements of survival and paranoia, it leans more toward psychological tension than jump scares. The movie thrives on ambiguity, forcing viewers to question the true nature of the unseen threat and the limits of human trust in times of crisis.
A Claustrophobic Nightmare
Set in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a mysterious disease, It Comes at Night follows a family—Paul (Joel Edgerton), Sarah (Carmen Ejogo), and their teenage son Travis (Kelvin Harrison Jr.)—who live in isolation in a remote house. Their world is tightly controlled, with strict rules for survival. When another desperate family seeks refuge, tensions rise as fear and suspicion begin to unravel their fragile sense of security.
The film builds dread through its confined setting and minimalistic storytelling. The house, shrouded in darkness and illuminated only by dim lanterns, becomes both a sanctuary and a prison. The red door, the only barrier between safety and the unknown, serves as a haunting symbol of paranoia.
Fear of the Unseen
Unlike traditional horror movies that rely on a tangible monster, It Comes at Night preys on psychological fear. The disease is never fully explained, nor do we see the horrors that supposedly lurk outside. Instead, the real terror comes from within—the breakdown of trust and the lengths people will go to in order to protect their loved ones.
Travis, the film’s emotional core, experiences terrifying nightmares that blur the line between reality and hallucination. His perspective adds to the film’s unsettling nature, as viewers are left questioning what is real and what is imagined.
A Bleak Reflection on Humanity
At its heart, It Comes at Night is a study of human nature under extreme circumstances. It strips away the comforts of civilization and explores how fear can turn people against each other. The film’s ending is devastating and ambiguous, leaving audiences with more questions than answers.
Shults’ direction, combined with eerie cinematography and a haunting score, creates an experience that lingers long after the credits roll. While It Comes at Night may not provide conventional horror thrills, its slow-burning dread and emotional depth make it a memorable and unsettling film.