Coming Home in the Dark Ending Explained, Plot, Cast and More
by Kavitha
Updated Jan 09, 2024
Coming Home in the Dark
"Coming Home in the Dark" is a psychological thriller film from New Zealand released in 2021. It's based on a short story from 1995 with the same name by Owen Marshall. The movie is directed by James Ashcroft and written by Eli Kent in collaboration with James Ashcroft.
The story revolves around a family road trip that takes a dark turn when they encounter two ominous men during a peaceful picnic. The film features a cast including Daniel Gillies, Erik Thomson, Miriama McDowell, and Matthias Luafutu. The movie had its premiere at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival on January 31, 2021.
The running time of the film is approximately 93 minutes, and it's in English. The production companies behind the movie are Light in the Dark Productions and MPI Media Group. The budget for the film was $970,000.
"Coming Home in the Dark" explores psychological and thriller elements, creating tension as the characters confront their dark past and face unexpected dangers during their journey. The movie is an adaptation of a compelling short story and had its debut at a prestigious film festival, showcasing the talent of the cast and crew involved in its production.
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Coming Home in the Dark Ending Explained
"Coming Home in the Dark" is a psychological thriller. The movie revolves around a family road trip that takes a dark turn when they encounter two ominous men, Mandrake and Tubs, during a peaceful picnic.
The chilling events unfold when Mandrake reveals a traumatic past of child abuse at a school where Alan, one of the family members, was an assistant teacher. As the story progresses, it becomes clear that Mandrake holds Alan responsible for not intervening during the abuse he suffered as a child.
The film takes a disturbing turn when Mandrake forces the family into a series of harrowing situations, leading to the tragic deaths of their two sons. The climax reveals Alan's guilt for witnessing the abuse but failing to stop it. Mandrake, seeking retribution, subjects Alan to torment and forces him to confront the consequences of his inaction.
The movie concludes with Jill, Alan's wife, making a desperate decision by throwing herself off a cliff. Alan is then taken to the abandoned school where the abuse occurred. Mandrake demands that Alan stand "on-line," and when he does, Mandrake shoots him. However, Tubs, Mandrake's silent companion, unexpectedly kills Mandrake.
The reason for Tubs' actions remains open to interpretation. It could be resentment towards Mandrake for reopening old wounds by seeking out their abusers, or Tubs may have taken Mandrake's philosophy to heart, believing that allowing the torment to continue would be akin to Alan's past inaction.
The film concludes with ambiguity surrounding Alan's fate, but it is suggested that he may bleed out and die from his gunshot wound. Tubs, the sole survivor, expresses his disdain for the place before walking away, leaving viewers with lingering questions about the consequences of actions and inactions.
"Coming Home in the Dark" explores themes of guilt, retribution, and the lasting impact of past choices, leaving audiences with a thought-provoking and unsettling conclusion.
Coming Home in the Dark Cast
Daniel Gillies
Mandrake
Erik Thomson
Hoaggie
Miriama McDowell
Jill
Matthias Luafutu
Tubs
Actor
Character
Coming Home in the Dark Plot
"Coming Home in the Dark" is about a school teacher named Alan, his wife Jill, and their two teenage sons on a road trip. During a hike, they notice two strange men, Mandrake and Tubs, in the distance. The family's picnic is interrupted by these violent men, who rob them, kill the sons, and abduct the parents.
Mandrake, one of the kidnappers, reveals he knows about Alan's past as an assistant teacher at a troubled boys' school with a history of abuse. Alan insists he knew nothing about the abuse, but Mandrake doesn't believe him. The journey becomes more dangerous as they stop at a gas station, leading to a failed escape attempt and the death of an innocent attendant.
As Mandrake questions Alan, the truth about the school's abuse comes to light. Alan admits he witnessed and did nothing out of fear. Jill tries to escape but faces a threatening situation, leading her to jump into a river, leaving her fate uncertain.
The journey continues with Alan briefly escaping, encountering a group of teenagers, but Mandrake catches up, resulting in more violence. They eventually reach an old boarding school, where Alan confesses his cowardice and private belief that a boy with a swastika tattoo deserved punishment. However, Mandrake reveals he wasn't that boy.
The confrontation intensifies with Mandrake shooting Alan, who fights back and is eventually rescued by Tubs. Tubs kills Mandrake and leaves Alan, expressing his hatred for the place. The film ends with Tubs silently crying at an undisclosed location.
The plot explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the consequences of past actions, with a mix of suspense and psychological elements.
Where to Watch Coming Home in the Dark?
You can watch "Coming Home in the Dark" by buying or renting it on popular platforms like Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. Simply visit these platforms online, and you'll find options to either purchase and download the movie or rent it for online streaming. This provides viewers with the flexibility to choose their preferred platform for enjoying the film. Whether you opt for Apple TV, Google Play Movies, or YouTube, you can easily access the movie and enjoy it at your convenience.
Coming Home in the Dark Trailer
Coming Home in the Dark Ending Explained - FAQs
The film follows a family road trip that takes a dark turn when they encounter violent drifters, leading to a series of harrowing events rooted in a traumatic past.
The main characters include Mandrake, Hoaggie (Alan), Jill, and Tubs, portrayed by Daniel Gillies, Erik Thomson, Miriama McDowell, and Matthias Luafutu, respectively.
"Coming Home in the Dark" delves into the psychological aftermath of child abuse, unraveling guilt and retribution as the characters confront their past during unexpected dangers.
The climax reveals Alan's guilt for witnessing past abuse, leading to tragic consequences for his family. Tubs unexpectedly intervenes, adding complexity to the resolution.
You can watch the film by buying or renting it on platforms like Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and YouTube, offering viewers flexibility in accessing the movie.