Return home in the dark
“Coming Home in the Dark” is a New Zealand psychological thriller film released in 2021. It is based on a 1995 short story of the same name by Owen Marshall. The film is directed by James Ashcroft and written by Eli Kent in collaboration with James Ashcroft.
The story revolves around a family road trip that takes a dark turn when they encounter two sinister men during a peaceful picnic. The film features a cast including Daniel Gillies, Erik Thomson, Miriama McDowell and Matthias Luafutu. The film premiered at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival on January 31, 2021.
The length of the film is approximately 93 minutes and is in English. The production companies behind the film are Light in the Dark Productions and MPI Media Group. The film’s budget was $970,000.
“Coming Home in the Dark” explores psychological and suspense elements, creating tension as the characters confront their dark past and face unexpected dangers during their journey. The film is an adaptation of a compelling short story and had its debut at a prestigious film festival, showcasing the talent of the cast and crew involved in its production.
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Coming Home in the Dark Ending Explained
“Coming Home in the Dark” is a psychological thriller. The film revolves around a family road trip that takes a dark turn when they encounter two sinister men, Mandrake and Tubs, during a quiet picnic.
Chilling events unfold when Mandrake reveals a traumatic past of child abuse at a school where Alan, one of the family members, was an assistant teacher. As the story progresses, it becomes clear that Mandrake holds Alan responsible for not intervening during the abuse he suffered when he was a child.
The film takes a disturbing turn when Mandrake forces the family into a series of heartbreaking situations that lead to the tragic deaths of their two children. The climax reveals Alan’s guilt for witnessing the abuse but being unable to stop it. Mandrake, seeking revenge, subjects Alan to torment and forces him to face the consequences of his inaction.
The film concludes with Jill, Alan’s wife, making a desperate decision by throwing herself off a cliff. They then take Alan to the abandoned school where the abuse occurred. Mandrake demands that Alan get “in line” and when he does, Mandrake shoots him. However, Tubs, Mandrake’s silent companion, unexpectedly kills Mandrake.
The motive for Tubs’ actions remains open to interpretation. It could be resentment towards Mandrake for reopening old wounds by seeking out his abusers, or Tubs may have taken Mandrake’s philosophy to heart, believing that allowing the torment to continue would be similar to Alan’s past inaction.
The film concludes with ambiguity surrounding Alan’s fate, but it is suggested that he could bleed out and die from the gunshot wound. Tubs, the sole survivor, expresses his disdain for the place before leaving, leaving viewers with lingering questions about the consequences of actions and inactions.
“Coming Home in the Dark” explores themes of guilt, retribution and the lasting impact of past decisions, leaving audiences with a haunting and thought-provoking conclusion.
Coming home in the dark cast
Actor |
Character |
|
Daniel Gillies |
Mandrake |
|
Eric Thomson |
sausage |
|
Miriama McDowell |
Jill |
|
Matthias Luafutu |
Tubs |
Coming home in the dark plot
“Coming Home in the Dark” is about a schoolteacher named Alan, his wife Jill, and their two teenage children on a road trip. While on a walk, they notice two strange men in the distance, Mandrake and Tubs. The family picnic is interrupted by these violent men, who rob them, kill their children and kidnap their parents.
Mandrake, one of the kidnappers, reveals that he knows of Alan’s past as an assistant teacher at a school for troubled children with a history of abuse. Alan insists that he knew nothing about the abuse, but Mandrake doesn’t believe him. The trip becomes more dangerous when they stop at a gas station, leading to a failed escape attempt and the death of an innocent attendee.
As Mandrake interrogates Alan, the truth about the abuse at school comes to light. Alan admits that he witnessed it and did nothing out of fear. Jill tries to escape from her but faces a threatening situation that leads her to jump into a river, leaving her fate uncertain.
The journey continues with Alan briefly escaping and encountering a group of teenagers, but Mandrake catches up to him, resulting in more violence. They finally arrive at an old boarding school, where Alan confesses his cowardice and his private belief that a boy with a swastika tattoo deserved punishment. However, Mandrake reveals that he was not that boy.
The confrontation escalates when Mandrake shoots Alan, who fights back and is eventually rescued by Tubs. Tubs kills Mandrake and leaves Alan, expressing his hatred for the place. The film ends with Tubs crying silently in an undisclosed location.
The plot explores themes of guilt, redemption and the consequences of past actions, with a mix of suspense and psychological elements.
Where to watch Coming Home in the Dark?
You can watch “Coming Home in the Dark” by purchasing or renting it on popular platforms like Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. Simply visit these online platforms and you will find options to buy and download the movie or rent it to stream online. This gives viewers the flexibility to choose their preferred platform to enjoy the movie. Whether you opt for Apple TV, Google Play Movies, or YouTube, you can easily access the movie and enjoy it whenever you want.
Homecoming in the Dark Trailer
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