It Comes at Night

It Comes at Night

Year: 2017

Runtime: 91 min

Language: English

Director: Trey Edward Shults

MysteryHorror

After a cataclysmic event, a father and his young daughter are forced to seek refuge in an isolated underground shelter. They are unexpectedly joined by another family, and an uneasy alliance forms as they attempt to survive. However, as paranoia and fear escalate, the fragile trust between them unravels, leading to a dark and unsettling confrontation that tests the limits of their humanity and the lengths they will go to protect their own.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – It Comes at Night (2017)

Trace every key event in It Comes at Night (2017) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Bud's Illness

The film begins with a frail man named Bud, who is visibly suffering from a severe illness, gasping for breath while covered in painful boils. His daughter Sarah, wearing a gas mask, tenderly reassures him that everything will be fine, highlighting the dire situation they face.

2

Bud's Mercy Killing

In a somber act of mercy, Sarah's husband Paul and their son Travis transport Bud into the woods. Travis places a pillow over Bud’s head and shoots him, a heartbreaking decision reflecting their desperate circumstances, and Bud's body is hastily covered in lighter fluid and cremated in an open grave.

Woods
3

Life in Isolation

The family's lifestyle is depicted as insular, with Paul, Sarah, Travis, and their dog Stanley cut off from the outside world. It is heavily suggested that a deadly virus has ravaged the country, leaving them in a haunting state of isolation and fear.

4

Travis's Nightmares

Travis repeatedly experiences terrifying visions of Bud, the sick man from earlier, which lead him to wake up frightened each night. These nightmares create an atmosphere of dread, as the family becomes increasingly aware of potential intruders lurking outside their home.

Nighttime Travis's bedroom
5

Encounter with Will

When ominous banging is heard, Paul and Sarah arm themselves, confronting the perceived threat. They discover it is Will, who, after being ordered to surrender, is knocked unconscious by Paul, introducing a new element of danger to their isolated existence.

6

Will's Story

Once tied up and restrained, Will explains to Paul that he mistook their house for abandoned and was seeking resources for his wife and child. He shares distressing news about an 80-mile stretch of land devoid of life, highlighting the perilous state of the world outside.

7

The Dangerous Journey

Concerned for Will's family, Paul drives him to search for them, but their journey quickly turns dangerous. They encounter hostile men in the woods, and Paul's reaction leads to their demise, showcasing the fragility of their existence in this harsh reality.

Woods
8

Introducing Kim and Andrew

Paul and Sarah eventually bring Will's wife Kim and their young son Andrew into their home. The two families begin to establish boundaries but slowly learn to coexist, sharing meals and games amid the backdrop of their survival struggle.

Paul and Sarah's home
9

Travis's Fascination

Amidst the tension, Travis becomes increasingly intrigued by Kim, which leads to unsettling dreams where she embodies both comfort and horror. Their conversations highlight their shared desires for normalcy, revealing the emotional weight of their situation.

10

Stanley's Fate

Travis's chase after Stanley into the woods leads to a shocking discovery, resulting in Paul having to make the heartbreaking choice to euthanize the injured dog. The sound of the gunshot echoes through their home, marking a pivotal moment of loss.

Woods
11

Rising Tensions

As suspicion grows between the two families, Travis's interactions with Andrew incite questions about health and trust. The emotional fallout creates an increasingly tense atmosphere, with both families navigating their strained relationships.

12

Travis's Collapse

The toll of the relentless situation becomes apparent when Travis succumbs to the virus, leading to a heart-wrenching scene where Sarah desperately tries to comfort him. Travis's decline marks a critical juncture in the family's struggle for survival.

Home
13

The Tragic Standoff

Tensions reach their peak when Paul confronts Will about Andrew's health, leading to a chaotic standoff. In the ensuing turmoil, Paul accidentally kills Andrew, inciting Kim's anguished plea for vengeance, thus deepening the animosity between the families.

Wooded area
14

Final Farewell

As the film nears its conclusion, both Paul and Sarah are revealed to be infected. They share a devastating gaze at the table, reflecting on their choices and the consequences of their actions in a world stripped of humanity.

Home
15

Fade to Black

The story culminates as the screen fades to black, leaving the audience to grapple with the catastrophic ramifications of the characters' choices. The somber ending serves as a haunting reminder of their desperate situation and the fragility of life.

Last Updated: November 04, 2024 at 00:05

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It Comes at Night Summary

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It Comes at Night Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in It Comes at Night

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Characters, Settings & Themes in It Comes at Night

It Comes at Night Ending Explained

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It Comes at Night Ending Explained

More About It Comes at Night

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