Films sharing characteristics with Martin Scorsese’s 1985 dark comedy “After Hours” typically feature a protagonist trapped in an increasingly bizarre and surreal urban nightmare. These narratives often involve a descent into chaos triggered by a seemingly innocuous encounter, escalating into a series of misadventures over the course of a single night. Common elements include darkly comedic situations, a pervasive sense of paranoia and unease, and a focus on the seedier side of city life.
Such narratives offer a potent exploration of urban alienation, social anxieties, and the fragility of normalcy. They provide a darkly humorous yet insightful commentary on the hidden dangers and absurdities lurking beneath the surface of contemporary society. The enduring appeal of this subgenre, originating in the mid-1980s and finding echoes in later films, lies in its ability to blend unsettling suspense with unexpected humor, creating a unique and captivating cinematic experience.
