The Night Eats the World

The 2018 thriller-horror movie, The Night Eats the World, is an underrated gem in the zombie genre directed by the talented Dominique Rocher. This French film, also known as "La nuit a dévoré le monde" premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, amassing a loyal fan base among lovers of the genre. Providing a fresh and psychological take on the zombie apocalypse theme, the movie stars Anders Danielsen Lie, Golshifteh Farahani, and Denis Lavant, whose compelling performances further elevate the story.

The film welcomes viewers into the life of Sam, played by the highly skilled Norwegian actor, Anders Danielsen Lie, who is best known for his roles in the films Oslo, 31 August and Personal Shopper. Sam is a somewhat sullen, introverted musician visiting his ex-girlfriend's apartment in Paris to retrieve some items. What begins as a regular night abruptly turns into a nightmare when he becomes the unwilling guest at a party full of strangers.

As the night carries on, Sam locks himself in a room to escape the cacophony of the party only to wake up to a world dramatically altered. A violent transformation has occurred to the partygoers, with Sam as the seemingly lone survivor in this awakened new world. Consumed by terror, he barricades himself into the apartment building, little knowing he would be locking himself in for months to come.

Anders Danielsen Lie’s raw performance as Sam keeps viewers engaged as he battles against isolation, fear, and the threat of the prowling undead. Lie effortlessly portrays the transformation of Sam’s character as he grapples with his newfound reality. One will truly appreciate the delicate balance between physical survival and mental sanity that the character displays throughout the film.

The story takes an unexpected turn when Sam encounters other survivors, including a mysterious woman played by the talented Iranian actress Golshifteh Farahani, well known for her roles in movies like Body of Lies and Paterson. Her brief yet powerful performance produces some of the movie's most gripping scenes. Meanwhile, famous French actor Denis Lavant brings a unique angle to the story, adding depth to the narrative with his eccentric character.

The Night Eats the World separates itself from other movies in the zombie genre by focusing less on undead hordes and more on the protagonist's psychological journey. Director Dominique Rocher takes a unique route to explore themes of isolation, loneliness, survival, and the very essence of humanity, offering a much more intimate and emotive approach to the genre.

The film's haunting atmosphere is amplified by a number of bone-chilling sequences, thanks to the brilliant cinematography. The movie manages to use silence and sound effectively to create a disconcerting and eerie atmosphere, making every creaking door or odd noise a source of anticipatory dread for the audience.

One of the elements that differentiate The Night Eats the World from other similar films is its focus on narrative over gory effects. While the movie does have some gruesome moments, its primary focus remains exploring the psychological turmoil of the main character. The film encourages viewers to ponder what it truly means to be human and how solitude impacts the human psyche.

In addition, the film boasts an evocative musical score that perfectly complements the setting and tone, enhancing the narrative to create a memorable cinematic experience. The minimal dialogue approach adds to the film's intensity, focusing more on action and physical expression to deliver the storyline.

The Night Eats the World effectively combines elements of horror and psychological thriller, creating a gripping piece of cinema that continually keeps viewers on edge. It takes viewers on a deep journey into the human psyche amidst a post-apocalyptic setting. A truly thought-provoking film, it spins a captivating tale of survival and sanity, making it a must-watch for anyone who enjoys a fresh take on a well-loved genre.