Monsters are real|Mar. 04, 2022|United States|n/A
Genre: Horror
Description: “Take Back the Night,” released in 2021 and directed by Gia Elliot, tells the story of Jane, a semi-famous visual artist, played by Emma Fitzpatrick. The film begins with Jane hosting a gallery opening for her friends. After live-streaming herself getting intoxicated at the party, she helps a fan, portrayed by Jess Varley, get a ride home. However, when Jane is unable to re-enter the party, a series of life-altering events unfolds.
The movie addresses serious themes, including sexual assault, in a hypermodern context, raising new questions and criticisms about how such incidents are handled. Jane, who runs a popular Instagram account called @janedoedoes, is attacked by a monstrous figure on her way home from the party. The assailant pins her down, slashes her stomach, and leaves her severely injured. A particularly harrowing scene at the hospital depicts Jane undergoing a rape kit examination, emphasizing the trauma of the experience.
Despite the physical evidence, Jane faces relentless skepticism. Those around her, primarily women, dismiss her account, pointing to her history of substance abuse, mental health struggles, and a troubled childhood. No one believes that a real, monstrous attacker harmed her, leaving Jane to take matters into her own hands.
The title “Take Back the Night” references a phrase from the 1960s, coined by women who felt unsafe walking alone after dark. The film underscores that, even decades later, fear and vulnerability persist for women and non-binary individuals. It explores the anguish and frustration of not being believed, shedding light on the enduring struggle for agency and safety.
Cast director: Gia Elliot
Cast actor: Emma Fitzpatrick, Jennifer Lafleur, Chelsea Harris
Original name: Take Back the Night