It Comes at Night (Review)

'It Comes at Night' is a psychological horror/thriller film which stars Joel Edgerton, Christopher Abbott, Kevin Harrison Jr. and Riley Keough. This film is written and directed by Trey Edward Shults.

In the same category of recent art house horror's The Babadook and The Witch, 'It Comes at Night' is not a straight cut, carnival fear horror, but instead a quiet psychological thriller that creeps it's way into our fears of intimacy and betrayal. The film features brilliant performances from it's small cast, particularly Kevin Harrison Jr who's performances as teenage son 'Travis' feels complete natural despite the high emotion stakes and terror throughout the film. I loved the way Trey Edward Shults directed this film. The shots were controlled and were used to create effect to not only convey atmosphere, but also information, which is vital for the characters in this film as well as the audience.  The music is this film is striking and quite unexpected considering the story and genre of the film, but yet fits perfectly to add the the pulsating unease throughout the film.

Overall 'It Comes at Night' may not be the creature feature horror film that many were expected, but it's a film that's not only gripping and entertaining, but it is also a film worth studying for aspiring filmmakers wanting to do a thriller film in a small space.

Rating: 8/10