A static noise in the forest. Cosmic microwave background radiation, Hank explains to enchanted Abby. The young couple has just moved to an old farm in this creepy forest. It‘s like the Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Abby jokes. We then suddenly see Hank crouching in a barricaded house with weapons while something hissing and shouting scratches the door. Abby left him and lonely Hank goes almost mad at night. A monster is roving about. When Abby reappears shortly before her birthday to celebrate a planned party in the house, Hank tells her about the monster, but the monster doesn‘t show up on that particular night. Directing duo Jeremy Gardner and Christian Stella packaged a classic coming-of-age story with a zombie movie in their debut THE BATTERY (2012). What was celebrated as a funny and intelligent genre mix back then doesn‘t quite mix as well in AFTER MIDNIGHT. While the too brief horror sequences are fun due to the great effects, the relationship flashbacks are filled with music and filters to the point of kitsch.

Clarissa Lempp

Translation: Elinor Lewy