3rd Night

3rd Night is a gripping Australian horror film released in 2017. The movie is a nerve-wracking roller-coaster ride directed by Adam Graveley who effectively channels the audience's subconscious fears and turns them into a terrifying cinematic reality. The ensemble cast led by Jesse McGinn, Robert Hartburn, and Bruce Denny convincingly brings this chilling tale to life, adding an extra layer to the film’s already palpable tension.

The movie centres on a newlywed couple, Megan Reid (played by Jesse McGinn) and Jonathan Reid (played by Robert Hartburn). Lured by the prospect of a simple, peaceful life amidst nature, they decide to uproot their lives from city hustle and relocate to an idyllic yet somewhat isolated orchard farm in the secluded region of Western Australia. However, their dream of tranquillity swiftly transforms into an unnerving nightmare when they start receiving disturbing, coded warnings reminiscent of a chilling countdown. A series of bizarre events unfold, with each passing night promising an escalated level of terror, ultimately culminating at the fateful third night.

Laced with atmospheric suspense and an overall eerie vibe, 3rd Night is a classic horror story wrapped in a fresh setting. Bruce Denny plays the mysterious neighbour with an uncanny ease, brilliantly oscillating between being a potential ally and a possible threat. The cinematography wonderfully encapsulates the haunting beauty of the rural landscape. Each frame feels perfectly composed, moving between moments of serenity and impending doom, thus enhancing the sense of isolation and vulnerability experienced by the main characters. The isolation of their new home, in contrast with the city backdrop they've left behind, heightens their perilous situation and invokes a tense atmosphere that keeps the viewer on edge throughout the film.

Along with the impressive visual aesthetics, the sound design of 3rd Night also deserves a special mention. Every creak, rustle, and suspicious knock is amplified amidst the eerie silence of the night. This masterful use of sound makes each scene more harrowing and ratchets up the anxiety factor moment after moment.

Another standout feature of the movie is its use of a mysterious coded warning system. This cryptic countdown serves as a unique hook, leaving audiences gripping their seats in anticipation and dread as the story inches closer to the titular 'third night'. The characters' attempts to decode these enigmatic warnings and their struggle to deal with the escalating fears provide an engaging narrative arc. These elements effectively evoke the mystery-thriller aspect of the film, lending it an engaging twist.

At its core, 3rd Night isn’t just a simple tale of terror. With Megan and Jonathan Reid, it prudently discusses a couple's resilience and their emotional journey amidst extreme uncanny circumstances. The performances of Jesse McGinn and Robert Hartburn are commendable and thoroughly believable. McGinn, particularly, shines in her role as Megan: her anxieties, her fears, her courage, and her determination to protect her home and herself add an affecting human element to the story.

Despite being a horror movie traditionally designed to scare, 3rd Night makes a concerted effort to dig below the surface level of the genre tropes. There are sub-themes of courage, human instinct, adaptability, and the primal fight or flight responses that run parallel to the main narrative. It's these elements that make 3rd Night more than your standard horror flick.

To conclude, with 3rd Night, Adam Graveley crafts an intricate and riveting narrative that blurs the line between horror and psychological thriller, making for an unsettling yet compelling viewing experience. With its appealing cast, stunning cinematography, and an ingeniously suspenseful plot, 3rd Night is a worthy addition to the world of indie horror. It’s a film that fearlessly ventures into the realm of the unknown, ready to unnerve and surprise its viewers, ultimately leaving them in the throes of an adrenaline-packed cinematic experience.