10 Best A24 Horror Films

Set in a world ravaged by a deadly virus, It Comes at Night follows an isolated family as they struggle to make it on their own. But when a younger family shows up on their doorstep looking for shelter, the two groups do their best to coexist despite their mutual wariness.

In the absence of external threats like zombies and murderous cannibals, It Comes at Night focuses on the internal horror of paranoia and fear of the unknown. The central family has no idea where these strangers come from or what they're hiding, and by leaving these mysteries unsolved, the film makes the audience feel confused and frustrated as the characters.

The film inflames that sense of uncertainty through its unsettling dream sequences. Every time teenager Travis has a nightmare, director Trey Edward Schults tightens the aspect ratio and switches camera lenses, giving the scene a distinct, eerie look.

These breaks from reality give the film room to stretch its horror muscles, using frightening images to show us the fear invading these characters’ minds.

Given the film’s ambiguous nature, the script doesn’t offer up much backstory for the characters, but the terrific ensemble cast does an excellent job fleshing out their roles. Their interactions feel genuine and human, which adds an extra gut punch to the tragic ending.