30 Days of Night

30 Days of Night

Year: 2007

Runtime: 113 min

Language: English

Director: David Slade

Budget: $30M

ThrillerHorror

When a perpetual thirty-day night falls on Barrow, Alaska, the isolated town is plunged into darkness and cut off from the rest of the world. This prolonged nightfall awakens a terrifying threat as vampires emerge, preying on the unsuspecting residents. Sheriff Eben and his estranged wife Stella must join forces with a small band of survivors to fight back against the relentless vampires and endure the siege until the return of daylight.

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Timeline & Setting – 30 Days of Night (2007)

Explore the full timeline and setting of 30 Days of Night (2007). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Modern Day

The events of '30 Days of Night' occur in contemporary times, amidst the realities of modern life but impacted by the brutal Arctic winter. The struggle against the darkness and the chilling presence of vampires contrasts with the ordinary lives of the townspeople. This juxtaposition creates a tension that mirrors real-world fears of isolation and danger.

Location

Barrow, Alaska

Barrow, Alaska, known for its extreme Arctic conditions, is the northernmost city in the United States. During the winter months, the town experiences a polar night, where the sun doesn't rise for an extended period, contributing to its eerie atmosphere. This isolation makes it a stark setting for the chilling events that unfold in '30 Days of Night.'

🏔️ Arctic 🌌 Isolated

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:44

Main Characters – 30 Days of Night (2007)

Meet the key characters of 30 Days of Night (2007), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Eben Oleson (Josh Hartnett)

Eben Oleson, portrayed by Josh Hartnett, is the local sheriff and a determined protector of Barrow's residents. His character is marked by resilience and inner strength, as he faces both the external threat of vampires and the emotional turmoil of his estranged relationship with his wife, Stella. Eben's journey illustrates the bonds of love and the sacrifices made in moments of crisis.

🛡️ Hero 💔 Estranged

Stella Oleson (Melissa George)

Stella, played by Melissa George, is Eben's estranged wife who embodies both vulnerability and courage. Her presence in Barrow during the crisis becomes pivotal as she confronts her feelings for Eben while fighting for survival. Stella's character evolves through the harrowing events, showcasing the human spirit's resilience.

👩‍❤️‍👨 Love 🌪️ Determination

The Stranger (Ben Foster)

The Stranger, portrayed by Ben Foster, is a mysterious figure whose arrival in Barrow heralds chaos. His sinister nature and manipulative tactics introduce the threat of vampires to the town. The character serves as a catalyst for the horrors that unfold, highlighting the unpredictability of evil.

👹 Villain 🌌 Chaotic

Marlow (Danny Huston)

Marlow is the lead vampire and represents the relentless threat against the townspeople. His ancient and malevolent presence brings dread, leading the vampiric assault on Barrow. The character embodies the themes of predation and fear, exacerbating the terrifying reality of isolation.

🧛‍♂️ Antagonist 🌙 Fearsome

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:44

Major Themes – 30 Days of Night (2007)

Explore the central themes of 30 Days of Night (2007), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🧛‍♂️ Survival

Survival is a central theme of '30 Days of Night,' where characters are pushed to their limits against overwhelming odds. The struggle between the townsfolk and the vampires highlights human resilience in the face of terror. Eben’s ultimate sacrifice illustrates the lengths to which individuals will go to protect their loved ones.

💔 Loss

Loss permeates the narrative as characters confront the death of loved ones and the erosion of their humanity. Eben's transformation and Stella's grief amplify the emotional stakes of their fight. The theme is encapsulated in the bittersweet ending, where moments of hope are marred by the sacrifices made.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:44

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Claustrophobic Survival Sieges like in 30 Days of Night

Stories of desperate groups trapped and fighting for survival against an overwhelming threat.If you enjoyed the desperate fight for survival in 30 Days of Night, explore more movies like it. This section features similar horror and thriller stories about groups forced to endure a siege in an isolated location, battling against overwhelming odds with a tense, fast-paced, and bleak atmosphere.

siegeclaustrophobicdesperatetensesurvivalhopelessoppressiveanxious

Narrative Summary

These narratives typically begin with a group being isolated and cut off from help, often in a single location like a town, building, or remote outpost. An immediate and powerful threat—be it monsters, invaders, or the environment—launches a sustained assault. The plot is a linear countdown to either rescue or dawn, focusing on tactical survival, sacrifice, and the psychological strain of being trapped.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared core premise of a contained siege, which creates a specific type of tension and pacing. They deliver a high-intensity experience centered on communal desperation, strategic endurance, and the bleak reality of survival horror.

Movies with Bittersweet Endings like 30 Days of Night

Stories where survival comes at a profound and tragic personal cost.If the poignant and costly ending of 30 Days of Night resonated with you, discover similar movies here. These films feature stories where the heroes achieve their goal but at a great personal sacrifice, resulting in a bittersweet or heavy conclusion that emphasizes the price of survival.

bittersweettragicsacrificeheavysomberemotionalhopeful yet sadcostly victory

Narrative Summary

The journey in these films is often arduous and emotionally taxing, involving the loss of allies, the shattering of ideals, or the necessity of a major sacrifice by the protagonist. The climax resolves the central conflict, but the denouement focuses on the aftermath and the scars left behind, prioritizing emotional realism over a clean, happy resolution.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their specific emotional payoff. They appeal to viewers who appreciate narratives where triumph is intertwined with tragedy, creating a more complex and resonant ending that acknowledges the harsh realities of conflict and survival.

Unlock the Full Story of 30 Days of Night

Don't stop at just watching — explore 30 Days of Night in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what 30 Days of Night is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

30 Days of Night Summary

Read a complete plot summary of 30 Days of Night, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

30 Days of Night Summary

30 Days of Night Timeline

Track the full timeline of 30 Days of Night with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

30 Days of Night Timeline

30 Days of Night Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of 30 Days of Night that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

30 Days of Night Spoiler-Free Summary

More About 30 Days of Night

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about 30 Days of Night: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

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