Watch After Midnight
- R
- 1989
- 1 hr 30 min
-
5.5 (2,501)
After Midnight is a thrilling horror flick, released back in 1989, directed by Jim Wheat and Ken Wheat. It revolves around the story of a couple named Alex and Caroline, who are excited to celebrate their one-year anniversary. The couple plans to spend the night at an old movie theater that has been closed for years. However, their romantic night takes a spooky turn when Caroline disappears mysteriously.
Jillian McWhirter stars as Caroline, and she delivers a great performance as a damsel in distress. She plays the role of a harmless victim possessed by an evil force in a commendable way. She commands the screen with her acting skills and exudes vulnerability that makes the audience root for her.
Pamela Adlon plays the role of Alex. She's a great foil to McWhirter, as she portrays a strong-willed and decisive character. It's a treat to watch the chemistry between the two characters, and Adlon delivers a great performance as a caring and loving partner doing everything in his power to save Caroline from the spooky forces.
The movie starts with the couple arriving at the deserted movie theater. The place seems perfect for their romantic night out. The set-up takes you back in time, and one can get a feel for the love and intimacy the couple share. The first act of the movie is loaded with lighter moments that build to an ominous climax.
The suspense builds fast as they discover a mysterious watchman played by Ramy Zada, who has been keeping an eye on the theater. Zada's portrayal of the watchman who harbors deep anxiety and fear towards the theater is exquisite. His foreboding presence adds to the eeriness of the already creepy setting.
As the night progresses, Caroline disappears under mysterious circumstances. Alex sets out to find her and quickly realizes that there is something evil lurking in the shadows. The theater at night is the perfect setting for horror, and Jim and Ken Wheat take full advantage of the location's atmosphere to create a sense of unease.
As Alex explores the seemingly abandoned theater, he slowly unravels the secrets of the movie house. The Wheat brothers have created stunningly shot flashbacks that provide a glimpse into the history of the theater. These flashbacks reveal the gruesome murders that took place within the theater's confines. The murders occurred during a screening of a cult classic horror film, and the legend has it that the theater is now cursed.
The film takes inspiration from some of the popular horror movies from the 60s and 70s, and it's quite evident in the eerie sound design and music. The jump scares are well-timed, and the camera work creates an effective sense of disorientation.
The final act of the movie is intense, with a showdown between the evil force and Alex. It's a thrilling climax with numerous twists and turns that leave you on the edge of your seat. It's a classic horror story with a spooky location, likable characters, and an evil force lurking at every corner.
In conclusion, After Midnight is a great horror movie that delivers on scares and thrills. It's a perfect movie to watch on a dark and stormy night. The setting, the cast, and the storytelling all come together to create an intriguing and suspenseful tale. Jim and Ken Wheat have crafted a movie that stays true to the horror genre's traditions while adding their own unique touch. The film is an excellent addition to the horror movie genre and holds up to this day.
After Midnight is a 1989 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5.