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It Comes at Night

Name: It Comes at Night
Director: Trey Edward Shults
Released: 2017
Duration: 91 min

Representation Score

5.2/10

Fair

2017

Director

Trey Edward Shults

Runtime

91 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Trey Edward Shults uses the horror genre to break down social structures and traditional morality. The film's strength lies in its sophisticated exploration of identity in a high-stakes, apocalyptic setting. While the film lacks racial and ethnic diversity, it offers a progressive perspective by normalizing LGBTQ+ domestic partnerships in a crisis. It effectively challenges the traditional family unit during a crisis. The narrative also provides a sharp critique of patriarchal dominance, showing how the protector archetype can dissolve into systemic paranoia, exploring the breakdown of established social norms.

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Category Breakdown

Does It Comes at Night have LGBTQ+ representation?

Excellent

The film showcases a domestic partnership between Will and Andrew, presenting it as a normal part of their survivalist lifestyle rather than a source of conflict.

How does It Comes at Night portray gender?

Fair

The movie examines the psychological impact of traditional masculine roles. It highlights the fragility of the protector archetype, showing how the pursuit of dominance can lead to paranoia.

How racially and ethnically diverse is It Comes at Night?

Limited

The cast is mostly made up of the same demographic group, emphasizing the insular nature of the characters' isolated world.

How does It Comes at Night represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film portrays moral relativism in the absence of religious or state authority. It shows how the idea of a safe home can be a fragile illusion driven by survival needs.

Does It Comes at Night include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no characters whose main story arc revolves around a visible or invisible physical or neurodivergent disability.

Present on Screen

Normalizes a same-sex domestic partnership within a survivalist context.
Critiques the fragility of traditional patriarchal roles and dominance.
Explores moral relativism and the breakdown of institutional stability.

Limited or Absent

Lacks racial and ethnic diversity among the cast.
Limited opportunities for diverse representation due to the homogeneous demographic.
No characters defined by physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Secure within a desolate home as an unnatural threat terrorizes the world, a man has established a tenuous domestic order with his wife and son, but this will soon be put to test when a desperate young family arrives seeking refuge.

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