“It Comes at Night” is a horror film that has garnered attention for its intense and disturbing content. For parents considering whether this movie is appropriate for their children, understanding the level of violence, gore, and thematic elements is crucial. This guide provides a detailed breakdown to help you make an informed decision.
Violence and Gore: What Parents Need to Know
The film portrays several scenes of violence, though often implied or briefly shown, the impact is disturbing and unsettling. Here’s a breakdown:
- Gun Violence: The movie features multiple instances of gun violence. This includes scenes of shootings with visible blood. For example, a scene depicts a man being shot multiple times at close range, with blood shown on his wounds. Another scene shows a child being fatally shot, with the immediate aftermath of his limp body shown, followed by the mother also being shot. These moments are sudden and shocking, contributing to the film’s tense atmosphere.
- Blunt Force Trauma: Physical violence is also present. One disturbing scene involves a man being beaten repeatedly in the face with a rock, resulting in a bloody and injured face. This scene is graphic and could be particularly upsetting for sensitive viewers.
- Implied Violence and Aftermath: The film utilizes implied violence effectively. We see characters dragging bloody bodies and disposing of them, suggesting off-screen violent acts. This indirect approach can be just as disturbing as explicit visuals, relying on the viewer’s imagination to fill in the gaps.
- Animal Harm: Disturbingly, the film includes violence against animals. A dog is implied to be shot and killed. We later see its bloody body being disposed of, which is likely to be upsetting for animal lovers.
Disturbing Themes and Psychological Impact
Beyond the explicit violence, “It Comes at Night” is steeped in disturbing themes that contribute to its horror genre classification:
- Fear and Paranoia: The entire film is driven by a pervasive sense of fear and paranoia. Characters are constantly on edge, suspecting threats from both inside and outside their isolated home. This atmosphere of dread is a central element and can be emotionally taxing for viewers.
- Death and Sickness: The movie deals directly with themes of death and sickness. A significant plot point involves a deadly illness, and we witness the agonizing effects on a character, including visible lesions and labored breathing. The disposal of infected bodies, including burning them, adds to the grim and unsettling tone.
- Nightmares and Psychological Distress: The film delves into psychological horror through nightmares experienced by a young character. These nightmares include disturbing visions of death, sickness, and menacing figures. These sequences contribute to the film’s overall unsettling and psychologically disturbing nature, blurring the lines between reality and nightmare.
- Isolation and Suspicion: The characters are isolated and forced to make difficult decisions in a desperate situation. Mistrust and suspicion grow between them, leading to tense confrontations and morally grey actions. This focus on human behavior under extreme pressure can be disturbing in its own right.
Age Appropriateness: Is “It Comes at Night” Suitable for Children?
Considering the violence, gore, and deeply disturbing themes, “It Comes at Night” is definitely not suitable for children or younger teenagers.
- Mature Themes: The film grapples with mature themes of death, survival, paranoia, and the breakdown of social order. These are complex and potentially frightening concepts for younger audiences.
- Intense and Unsettling Atmosphere: The film’s strength lies in its ability to create a sustained atmosphere of dread and unease. This psychological tension, combined with the instances of violence, makes it unsuitable for viewers who are easily scared or disturbed.
- R-Rating Justified: “It Comes at Night” is typically rated R, and this rating is justified. The content is intended for mature audiences and is likely to be too intense and disturbing for younger viewers.
Parental Guidance Recommendation:
“It Comes at Night” is intended for mature audiences who appreciate psychological horror and are not easily disturbed by violence and grim themes. Parents should be aware of the intense and unsettling nature of the film and exercise extreme caution before allowing teenagers to watch it, even older teens. It is highly recommended to watch the movie yourself beforehand to fully understand the content and assess its suitability for your family. For families sensitive to violence, gore, and deeply disturbing themes, it is best to avoid “It Comes at Night” altogether.
