Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘After Midnight’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘After Midnight’.
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One big reason why horror is enjoying an outright renaissance at the moment, is that audiences everywhere have come to discover that scary movies offer the viewer an opportunity to face and resolve their greatest fears. Because when you settle in to stream a horror flick, or watch one at your local multiplex, you’re stuck with your greatest fear for the next couple of hours. Which allows for you to quietly process why it sends shivers down your spine, before you are returned to your everyday life with newfound strength and peace in regard to what outright terrifies you. But while it is wonderful to know that we will learn and grow when watching a horror movie, the demand for these movies is forcing filmmakers to think deeper about what kinds of fears they want to address and examine and that’s allowing for some incredible movies to be made.

Because now, horror is becoming more intimate than ever, since it is beginning to provide commentary and examinations of parts of our world and lives that we don’t talk about enough. For example, Jordan Peele’s Get Out, did an incredible job of calling out the fact that systemic racism is still a problem in America, and that it leaves African Americans in fear often. And Mike Flanagan’s adaptation of Doctor Sleep dug deep into the power of trauma, and how our fears of yesterday can put us on a dark and unhealthy path that we cannot deviate from until we face what hurt us so long ago. In fact, these examinations are going so deep, that they are even beginning to explore the fears we all share in when it comes to matters of love and it just so happens that Shudder is hosting a wonderful horror flick, that takes the time to put our romantic fears on full display in After Midnight.

Now in this particular film, we are introduced to a couple named Abby and Hank and their relationship is at quite the crossroads. Because after a decade of being together, Abby is starting to wonder if Hank is serious about this relationship and if she’s really what he wants. And that motivates her to take a little time away from their love affair to find herself and figure out if staying in this relationship is worth her while. A move that leaves Hank devastated and destitute and outright afraid. Largely because he is worried that he is going to lose her, but also because… her exit has allowed for something strange to happen on their property. For every night, something sinister and angry visits Hank’s home, and it makes great efforts to break in to undoubtedly do harm. Leaving Hank to worry often. Because if it claims him in the middle of the night… his final memory of his love will be a sour one and that motivates him to stand up and fight for his life, and his future with Abby.

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So, it’s best we get this out of the way right now and point out the fact… that this is a supremely unique horror film. Because it really does dive deep into matters of love in a brilliant manner. Because in many ways, this monster seems to represent Hank’s fears when it comes to his relationship with Abby, and her going away for a little while somehow allowed for those fears of commitment and loneliness to manifest into this disgusting creature. Which means that this monster symbolizes an internal fight. One where Hank is trying desperately to conquer these particular fears so he can finally be everything that Abby needs in life and so that he can commit to her fully and that really does make this a refreshing film for certain. Simply because you really don’t see horror films explore the fears we harbor when it comes to matters of love, but this one does so in a masterful fashion.

But for the horror fan out there that might be worried that such a move will rob the movie of other elements that make the genre so worth our while, have no fear. Because the scenes involving the monster are indeed downright unsettling and terrifying, since the creature spends a better part of the story out of sight and in the shadows. Which allows for tension and dread to hang heavy over the scenes where Hank is hunting for it. Plus, you can never go wrong with a horror story that knows how to perfectly alleviate the tension with humor and this movie excels in that arena as well. In fact, much of the humor in this story is generated by a character named Wade, who manages to steal every single scene he’s in. Thanks to the fact that he’s a genuine, good-natured goofball that sees everything that’s happening in the moment in an aloof manner and credit goes to actor Henry Zebrowski, for making Wade the perfect comic relief.

In fact, he’s not the only actor that deserves some recognition in this film. Because Jeremy Gardner, who plays Hank, and screen veteran Brea Grant, who plays Abby, are downright electric in their respective roles. Because their dynamic performances add a genuine sense of realism to this story, to the point where you find yourself rooting for this couple to make it because they’re clearly crazy about one another and that particular element, along with all the other ones we’ve discussed today, make this a downright phenomenal horror film. One that genuinely offers up something fresh and original and engrossing, since this story straight up sucks you in from the get-go and well, if you’re looking for a fun horror film that entertains and stays with you, courtesy of its wonderful commentary on romance… then give After Midnight a look, since it really is an incredible gem.

‘After Midnight’ is available to stream now on Shudder.

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