Trailer:
Coming Home in the Dark (2021) is a chilling psychological thriller that delves into the darkness of fate, guilt, and the inescapable past. Directed by James Ashcroft and based on a short story by Owen Marshall, this New Zealand film is a gripping, relentless journey into terror that leaves audiences shaken long after the credits roll.
The story follows Hoaggie (Erik Thomson), a mild-mannered high school teacher, who sets out on a road trip with his wife, Jill (Miriama McDowell), and their two teenage sons, eager to enjoy a peaceful getaway in the picturesque New Zealand countryside. But their idyllic family outing takes a sudden, horrifying turn when they cross paths with two mysterious drifters—Mandrake (Daniel Gillies), a charismatic yet deeply unsettling figure, and his menacing accomplice, Tubs (Matthias Luafutu).
What begins as an unsettling encounter quickly spirals into a nightmare. Mandrake and Tubs take the family hostage at gunpoint, forcing them into a terrifying road trip that gradually reveals Hoaggie’s hidden past. As the night unfolds, it becomes clear that this is no random act of violence—there is a deeper, more personal connection between the captors and their victim. Hoaggie is confronted with the sins of his past, ones he thought were long buried but are now coming back to exact their due.
Unlike traditional revenge thrillers, Coming Home in the Dark doesn’t rely on excessive action or gore. Instead, it builds its horror through psychological torment, unbearable tension, and masterfully crafted suspense. Daniel Gillies delivers a haunting performance as Mandrake, whose eloquent yet ruthless demeanor makes him an unforgettable antagonist. The film explores themes of moral responsibility, the consequences of past choices, and whether redemption is ever truly possible.
With its breathtaking yet ominous landscapes, an eerie sense of realism, and a gut-punching narrative, Coming Home in the Dark is not just a survival thriller—it’s an existential nightmare. It asks a terrifying question: What if the worst day of your life is the day your past finally catches up with you?
