It Comes at Night
It Comes at Night Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 12, 2026
Movie Overview: It Comes at Night
| Movie | It Comes at Night |
| Release Year | 2017 |
| Director | Trey Edward Shults |
| Genre | Drama / Horror / Mystery |
| Runtime | 91 minutes (1h 31m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is It Comes at Night (2017) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.9/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in It Comes at Night are led by Joel Edgerton . The supporting cast, including Christopher Abbott and Carmen Ejogo , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While It Comes at Night does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Drama films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, It Comes at Night has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Drama fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: It Comes at Night
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2017, It Comes at Night is a Drama, Horror, Mystery film directed by Trey Edward Shults, written by Trey Edward Shults. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Joel Edgerton as Paul.
What Is the Story of It Comes at Night?
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. 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. The screenplay takes time to develop Joel Edgerton's journey, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
How Is It Comes at Night Structured?
- Opening Hook: We meet Joel Edgerton as Paul in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life. Trey Edward Shults builds this foundation carefully, and over its 91-minute runtime, the pacing proves deliberate.
- Character Arc: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings Joel Edgerton's arc to its natural conclusion. Trey Edward Shults's direction falls somewhat short of expectations, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's core themes.
Ending Explained: It Comes at Night
It Comes at Night Ending Explained: 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. Directed by Trey Edward Shults, this 2017 drama film stars Joel Edgerton (Paul), alongside Christopher Abbott as Will, Carmen Ejogo as Sarah, Riley Keough as Kim. Rated 5.9/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.
What Happens at the End of It Comes at Night?
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.
How Does Joel Edgerton (Paul)'s Story End?
- Joel Edgerton: Joel Edgerton's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Christopher Abbott (Will): Christopher Abbott's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Carmen Ejogo (Sarah): Carmen Ejogo's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of It Comes at Night Mean?
The ending of It Comes at Night brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Joel Edgerton's story may not satisfy all audiences. Based on 2,606 audience ratings, the consensus is that the ending is the film's weakest element.
It Comes at Night Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is It Comes at Night Based on a True Story?
No, It Comes at Night is a work of fiction. While the drama, horror, mystery film directed by Trey Edward Shults and starring Joel Edgerton may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch It Comes at Night?
Age Advisory: Rated R — not suitable for younger viewers.
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Box Office Collection: It Comes at Night
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $5.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $19.3M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
It Comes at Night Budget
The estimated production budget for It Comes at Night is $5.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Where to Watch It Comes at Night Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video with AdsIt Comes at Night Parents Guide & Age Rating
2017 AdvisoryWondering about It Comes at Night age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of It Comes at Night (2017) is 91 minutes (1h 31m). Directed by Trey Edward Shults, the film runs for 91 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.9/10, and global performance metrics, It Comes at Night is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2017 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Comes at Night worth watching?
It Comes at Night is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 5.9/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find It Comes at Night parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for It Comes at Night identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of It Comes at Night (2017)?
The runtime of It Comes at Night (2017) is 91 minutes (approximately 1h 31m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
