What Is ‘Await Further Instructions’ About?
Directed by Johnny Kevorkian, Await Further Instructions is a holiday horror film that blends a claustrophobic sci-fi premise with the recognizable pitfalls of spending the holidays with your less-than-festive relatives. The story begins with Nick, played by Sam Gittens, reluctantly bringing his girlfriend, Annji, played by Neerja Naik, home for her first Christmas with his family. However, their holiday gathering is soon derailed by Nick’s racist grandfather and sister, who provide a perfect portrait of a dysfunctional family over the holidays. Nick and Annji decide to leave, but they wake up to find themselves trapped inside the house with mysterious black bars and instructions playing on the family television.
Await Further Instructions Takes Festive Family Drama to a Terrifying New Level
As the family attempts to survive Christmas together, the television’s instructions elevate the suspense, creating nerve-wracking dilemmas for Nick’s self-righteous family. The film’s atmosphere sharply transitions from stifling family drama to a contemplative thriller, making Await Further Instructions feel almost like a social experiment. A memorable scene involves the main cast wavering after being instructed to inject themselves with dirty needles sent down the chimney, hinting at the film’s deeper message.
A Critique of Technology and Patriarchy
The film is not just a criticism of technology, but also a critique of what technology represents – blind obedience. The story showcases Tony’s assumption that the television is playing an emergency broadcast from the British government, highlighting his willingness to place complete faith in an arbitrary system of power. The film also condemns old-fashioned conceptions of patriarchy, as the patriarch’s treatment of his family members leads to deadly consequences. The story serves as a rebuke to outdated modes of thinking, warning that those who can’t change with the times are bound to become puppets.
Conclusion
Await Further Instructions is a unique blend of science fiction, suspense, and horror that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats. The film’s critique of technology and patriarchy adds depth to its terrifying holiday story, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
FAQs
Q: Is Await Further Instructions available to stream?
A: Yes, Await Further Instructions is currently available to stream on Shudder in the U.S.
Q: What is the runtime of the film?
A: The runtime of Await Further Instructions is 91 minutes.
Q: Who is the director of the film?
A: Johnny Kevorkian directed Await Further Instructions.