Unveiling the Chilling Narrative: "It Comes at Night" Script Analysis
The psychological horror film "It Comes at Night" (2017), directed by Trey Edward Shults, is a masterclass in atmospheric tension and dread. The film's script, penned by Shults himself, is a stark exploration of fear, paranoia, and the human capacity for cruelty. Let's delve into the chilling narrative and themes that make this script a standout in the horror genre.
Setting the Stage: A World Gone Mad
The script opens with a stark, haunting image: a man, Paul (Joel Edgerton), tenderly euthanizing his infected wife, Sarah (Carmen Ejogo), in their isolated cabin. This grim scene sets the tone for the rest of the film - a world ravaged by an unnamed, apocalyptic plague, where fear and desperation have become the new normal. The script expertly uses this bleak backdrop to explore the darker aspects of human nature.
Family Dynamics: A Microcosm of Society
The core of the story revolves around two families - the Salazars (Paul, Sarah, and their teenage son, Travis) and the Andrews (Will, Kim, and their young daughter, Andrew). The script cleverly uses these family dynamics to mirror societal breakdown. Both families are desperate, resource-scarce, and willing to do whatever it takes to survive. This dynamic raises intriguing questions about morality, loyalty, and the lengths we'd go to protect our loved ones.
Travis: The Film's Moral Compass
Travis (Kelvin Harrison Jr.) is the film's moral compass, his innocence and fear serving as a stark contrast to the adults' desperation and paranoia. The script masterfully uses Travis' perspective to explore the loss of innocence and the harsh realities of the adult world. His vivid, disturbing dreams serve as a visual representation of his internal turmoil and the film's overarching themes of fear and uncertainty.
It: The Unknown Entity
The film's title, "It Comes at Night," refers to an unknown entity that, according to Paul, brings death and destruction. The script cleverly keeps this entity ambiguous, allowing the audience's imagination to fill in the gaps. This ambiguity serves to heighten the film's tension and paranoia, as characters (and the audience) are left questioning what, exactly, they're afraid of.
Thematic Depth: Fear, Paranoia, and the Human Condition
The script explores several profound themes, chief among them fear and paranoia. In a world where the unknown is terrifying and resources are scarce, it's easy to see how these emotions could consume a person. The script masterfully illustrates this, showing how fear can lead to cruelty, mistrust, and even violence. It also explores the human capacity for resilience and hope, even in the darkest of times.
Visual Storytelling: The Power of Subtext
The script is as much about what's not said as it is about what is. Shults uses subtext and visual storytelling to great effect, allowing the audience to fill in the blanks and draw their own conclusions. This approach makes the film feel more intimate and personal, drawing the audience in and making them active participants in the story.
Final Thoughts: A Chilling Exploration of the Human Condition
"It Comes at Night" is a chilling exploration of the human condition, a stark reminder of the darkness that can lurk within us when we're pushed to our limits. The script's strength lies in its ability to evoke emotion, provoke thought, and leave the audience questioning long after the credits roll. It's a testament to Shults' skill as a writer and director, and a standout in the horror genre.
