This is obviously not horror as anyone will easily understand from the reviews, just a mediocre relationship drama that tries shamelessly to cash-in by tricking horror fans to believe this is a horror movie. The only horror in AFTER MIDNIGHT comes when after sitting through a really tiring one hour and 30 minutes full of pretentious talking and ludicrous relationship dramas come the last 5 minutes. Personally I thought this one was a joke on me, a bizarre cultural experiment from the director and production team to see how far the modern horror fans' tolerance to garbage extends. I'm guessing they had a blast among themselves at reading reviews such as this, kinda like Frank Darabont with the ending of THE MIST. Overall, this was an infuriating experience illustrating once more that modern "horror" creators not only have not seen most important movies of the genre, but they don't plan to a their "vision" is more important. Yeah, right.

While the film itself is a bit predictable (there are only a few ways it can go),it was extremely well done, mostly due to the acting from each of those involved, and little else. That was impressive. It seemed far shorter than what it actually was, too, which means the pacing - especially for a film like this - was fantastic, and that thought went into not letting it boggle down or lose momentum in any real, telling way. It keeps you pretty engaged for the duration of its running time.

More than that, however, is the amazing soundtrack which to me, is worth 10-Stars on its own. When all was said and done, I walked away with at least seven pretty great new tunes to add to my collection from three bands I had never heard of before.

This is a GREAT date movie. There is blood, gore, humor, a couple of lol's and lulls for hand-holding and popcorn-sharing, and as already mentioned, some excellent music.

Wow. Bottom of the 9th, 2 Outs, 3 Balls and bases loaded. A hit could win the game. A grand slam, a hero will emerge.

This DRAMA and 5% horror - which is marketed in reverse (I mean LOOK at that poster and it's on Shudder,) isn't the worst I've seen, but damn if it didn't all get saved in the final act. I should've seen it coming, but I like to be surprised and not try and guess the ending.

Hank & Abby have the perfect chemistry in the worst place: the sticks in FL. They live in the house from Texas Chain Saw Massacre, as Abby describes and is right on the nose.

I love this couple as much as they're in love. Then, BAM! She decides to leave out of nowhere and the night she leaves a "creature" shows up at night (but maybe after midnight?) to terrorize Hank. And then every consecutive night. No one believes Hank as no one else sees this creature and Hank can't seem to get a picture of it.

Or is all in his head? His way of dealing with the sudden loss of his love of his life?

Again, it's an okay drama, well-acted, well shot and that ending made this a recommendation. Just know, this is indie to the max which means they rely on slow burning the screen time until the remainder of their budget can be used...and definitely sparingly. Sure, they'd say it's for suspense, like Jaws, but in reality, I'm sure it had to do with budget. Oh, and this was made in either 2019 or before, so can't blame the plague.

Don't get me wrong. It's harmless, entertaining and at only 83 minutes, it's worth it.

***

Final thoughts: Sad this took two years to be widely seen, but glad they didn't give up on it. And happy, despite the age we live in, that movies like these can be more easily accessed.