The Night Comes For Us (2018) – A Martial Arts Masterpiece Wrapped in Horror and Brutality

Netflix has given us a wide range of original films and series over the past few years, including some highly anticipated releases. Yet, among the many, one film stands out as both shockingly brutal and remarkably original: The Night Comes For Us, directed by Timo Tjahjanto. This action-packed martial arts thriller is a raw and violent exploration of crime, survival, and redemption, wrapped in a horror movie aesthetic, with a flair for pushing boundaries.

Tjahjanto, known for his chilling Safe Haven from the V/H/S 2 anthology, brings his signature style of gritty, high-octane violence to The Night Comes For Us. In this film, we follow Ito (played by Joe Taslim), a former enforcer for the Triad, who is trying to escape his violent past after saving a young girl from a deadly fate. Although the premise of a troubled protagonist on the run isn’t new, Tjahjanto turns it into something completely unique, combining martial arts choreography with visceral horror elements, creating an experience that feels almost like an alternate universe action movie.

The Night Comes For Us introduces us to a world where crime families like the Triad have an even darker secret: elite enforcers who operate outside the law to handle the most brutal of jobs. This setup allows Tjahjanto to create a hyper-realistic world where violence is taken to an almost surreal level, with a relentless pace that refuses to slow down. The fight scenes, expertly choreographed by Iko Uwais (best known for The Raid), are incredibly intense and visually striking, with a level of brutality that feels both choreographed and chaotic.

The film’s distinct blend of horror and action is a standout feature. Some of its scenes, like a fight in a meat locker where Taslim’s character uses weapons such as a circular saw and meat hooks, have the gory, visceral nature of a slasher film. Yet, the film never loses its focus on the intense action, blending the two genres in a way that feels natural and exhilarating. This hybridization sets The Night Comes For Us apart from other martial arts films, making it an unpredictable ride from start to finish.

While violence and gore are essential to the film’s appeal, it’s the choreography that elevates it to another level. Iko Uwais, typically seen as a hero in films like The Raid, plays the antagonist here, showcasing his incredible fighting skills in a new light. The action scenes are not just fast and furious; they are methodical and devastatingly effective, with joint manipulation and brutal combat techniques that bring to mind the best of martial arts fighting games. The movie’s intense, almost robotic, fight style offers something different from the fluid action we’ve come to expect from Uwais’s previous roles.

The plot, though straightforward in its premise, allows for a multitude of wild encounters as Ito battles his way through corrupt cops, ruthless gangsters, and bizarrely weaponized henchmen. The film’s pace never falters, constantly throwing bigger challenges and higher stakes at its protagonist, maintaining an energy that makes it impossible to look away.

Ultimately, The Night Comes For Us is a beautifully crafted, relentless action film that combines martial arts, horror, and pure adrenaline in a way that few movies can. It’s an exhilarating and bloody ride, and while it’s unfortunate that it hasn’t been shown on the big screen, Netflix’s global reach ensures that a wide audience will experience this gory masterpiece.

Verdict:
Tough, violent, stylish, and endlessly engaging, The Night Comes For Us is a film that makes a strong statement about Tjahjanto’s skill as a director. It’s an exhilarating mix of horror and action that delivers on all fronts, establishing Tjahjanto as one of the most exciting filmmakers in the genre. If you’re a fan of high-stakes action, intense martial arts combat, and creative gore, this film is a must-see.

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