"After Midnight" might be the most romantic horror movie I've ever seen
Honestly, it’s difficult to even really describe After Midnight as a horror, and the only reason it’s put in that category is because… well, there’s a scary monster that keeps attacking. But it’s very fitting that the film’s previous title was Something Else, because it doesn’t quite fit within any genre — but more than anything, After Midnight is incredibly romantic.
It’s about Hank (Jeremy Gardner, who also wrote and co-directed the film), who’s been living in a very small town in Florida with his girlfriend Abby (Brea Grant) for the last ten years. While he’s happy living in their dilapidated house, owning a dirty bar, and going hunting with his friends, Abby never meant to put down roots there. One day, Abby’s gone, leaving only a vague note about her whereabouts — and that night, a monster begins attacking the house, and does so every night after.
This movie doesn’t go the typical way you think it’s going to go, and even has characters suggest typical “plot points” as wild theories about what the monster is. But for the most part, After Midnight is less about the monster, and more about taking an honest look at your partner, your relationship, and your life, and deciding if that’s really what you want for yourself.
I don’t want to give too much away, but there are some truly great moments in this film. There’s a single take in the second half of the film that lasts for about 13 minutes that I actually rewound to watch more than once. And while I’m not a fan of jump scares, I think After Midnight includes a really, really good one, and it actually feels earned. And ultimately, I think the film’s ending is one of the most romantic (if bizarre) moments I’ve ever seen.
I haven’t been able to stop thinking about this movie since I saw it. Plus, the whole thing is only about 83 minutes, so it’s not even a big time commitment. I definitely recommend it.
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That’s all for me today, gorgeous! Talk to you tomorrow.
Love,
Kat
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