Mary Allen
Introduction: The Question of the Dog’s Fate in "It Comes at Night"
One of the most debated topics among viewers of "It Comes at Night" is the fate of the dog. Many fans of the movie have been wondering if there is a scene in which the dog dies. The ambiguity surrounding the dog’s fate has sparked numerous discussions, theories, and interpretations about what happened to the beloved animal.
Plot Overview: Setting the Context for the Dog’s Role
"It Comes at Night" is a psychological horror film that revolves around a family struggling to survive in a post-apocalyptic world. The story is set in a remote forest where a deadly virus has decimated most of the population. The family, consisting of Paul, his wife Sarah, and their teenage son Travis, has barricaded themselves in their home to avoid contamination. Their peaceful existence is disrupted when a stranger named Will seeks refuge with them. As they try to coexist, tensions rise, trust is tested, and paranoia sets in.
The Dog’s Importance to the Characters and Storyline
The dog, whose name is Stanley, is a loyal companion to Travis and a source of comfort for the family. Stanley is also a symbol of the family’s humanity and their connection to the outside world. As the only living thing aside from themselves, Stanley represents hope, love, and companionship in a world filled with fear, death, and isolation. His presence is essential to the emotional core of the story and the characters’ development.
Foreshadowing and Suspense: Clues About the Dog’s Fate
Throughout the movie, there are several clues that hint at the possibility of something terrible happening to Stanley. The first hint comes when Paul tells Travis to lock Stanley in a room at night to prevent him from wandering outside. This suggests that there might be something dangerous lurking outside that could harm Stanley. The second hint comes when a nightmare sequence shows Travis finding Stanley’s corpse. This foreshadows a tragic event that might occur in the future.
The Tension Buildup: Moments Leading to the Dog’s Scene
The tension builds up gradually as the family’s situation becomes more precarious. The arrival of Will and his family adds to the paranoia and mistrust. The family’s fear is compounded when they discover that Will’s son Andrew has been infected with the virus. As tensions rise, the family becomes more protective of Stanley, which leads to a confrontation with Will.
The Scene in Question: What Happened to the Dog?
In a shocking and heartbreaking scene, Stanley is accidentally shot by Paul after he mistakes him for an intruder. The scene is quick, brutal, and emotionally devastating. Travis witnesses the scene and is traumatized by the event. The family buries Stanley in a poignant scene that highlights the loss they have suffered.
Analysis of the Scene: Interpretation and Significance
The scene is a turning point in the story and the characters’ development. It represents the loss of innocence, the fragility of life, and the consequences of fear and mistrust. Stanley’s death symbolizes the family’s descent into darkness and their loss of humanity. The scene is also a commentary on the dehumanizing effects of a crisis and the toll it takes on people’s mental and emotional well-being.
Audience Reaction: How Viewers Responded to the Scene
The scene has elicited diverse reactions from viewers, ranging from shock, sadness, and anger to confusion and disappointment. Some viewers felt that the scene was gratuitous and unnecessary, while others saw it as a powerful and poignant moment that elevated the film’s emotional impact. The scene has also sparked debates about the morality of killing animals in movies and the ethics of using animals as props.
The Film’s Message: What Does the Dog’s Fate Represent?
The dog’s fate represents a broader message about the human condition and the fragility of life. The movie suggests that in times of crisis, people’s values and morals are put to the test, and the line between right and wrong becomes blurred. The dog’s death is a reminder that our actions have consequences and that violence and fear only lead to more violence and fear.
Comparison to Other Films: Similar Scenes and Themes
The scene is reminiscent of other movies that depict the death of animals, such as "Old Yeller" and "Marley and Me." These movies use the death of animals to evoke strong emotions and explore themes of loss, grief, and the circle of life. The scene also shares themes with other post-apocalyptic movies, such as "The Road" and "28 Days Later," which portray a world where survival is at the cost of one’s humanity.
Conclusion: Final Thoughts on the Dog’s Fate in "It Comes at Night"
The dog’s fate in "It Comes at Night" is a contentious issue that has sparked numerous debates and discussions among viewers. The scene is a powerful and poignant moment that elevates the movie’s emotional impact and represents a broader message about the human condition. Whether the scene was necessary or gratuitous is a matter of interpretation, but it’s undeniable that it adds to the movie’s overall impact.
Further Discussion: Addressing Controversial Interpretations and Debates
The controversy surrounding the dog’s fate in "It Comes at Night" raises several questions and debates that are worth exploring further. Some of these questions include the ethics of using animals as props in movies, the morality of killing animals in movies, and the significance of animal deaths in storytelling. These debates offer a chance to reflect on our values, our relationship with animals, and our understanding of art and entertainment.