On the Waitlist
On the Waitlist

Movie spotlight

On the Waitlist

2017
Movie
27 min
Mandarin

Lee Wang is the most hard-working member of the volleyball team, but she hadn't got any chance to be on court. Finally, she got the opportunity to be on court because of the absence of Yu Shao, the ace on the team. However, this is also a turning point of their friendship...

Insights

IMDb6.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes87%
Metacritic78/100
Google Users77%
Director: Trey Edward ShultsGenres: Drama, Horror

Plot Summary

A mysterious and apocalyptic event plunges a family into survival mode as they grapple with existential dread and the breakdown of society. The film explores themes of faith, doubt, and the desperate human need for connection in the face of unimaginable loss. As the world outside crumbles, the family's internal dynamics become as volatile as the external chaos. Their journey is a profound meditation on life, death, and what it means to endure.

Critical Reception

Critically acclaimed for its potent atmosphere, visual artistry, and ambitious thematic scope, 'On the Waitlist' (often referred to by its original title 'It Comes at Night') divided audiences but resonated deeply with critics. Praised for its psychological tension and unfltering portrayal of fear, some found its ambiguity and bleakness challenging, while others lauded its unique approach to the end-of-the-world genre.

What Reviewers Say

  • A masterclass in dread and paranoia, building tension through atmosphere and implication.

  • Visually striking and thematically rich, though its deliberate pacing and ambiguity may alienate some viewers.

  • A deeply unsettling and thought-provoking exploration of fear and family under extreme duress.

Google audience: Google users generally appreciated the film's intense atmosphere and psychological depth, with many praising its suspenseful nature and the strong performances. However, some found the film's slow burn and ambiguous ending to be frustrating.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for a Gotham Independent Film Award for Breakthrough Director (Trey Edward Shults).

Fun Fact

The film's claustrophobic and unsettling atmosphere was meticulously crafted through its production design and sound mixing, with a particular focus on creating a sense of pervasive dread that permeated every frame.

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