Await Further Instructions (2018)
“Await Further Instructions” (2018) is a British sci-fi horror film directed by Johnny Kevorkian. The movie combines elements of psychological horror, family drama, and science fiction to create a tense and unsettling narrative.
The story revolves around the Milgram family, who come together to celebrate Christmas after a period of estrangement. The family members include the controlling father, Tony (played by Grant Masters); the submissive mother, Beth (played by Abigail Cruttenden); their son, Nick (played by Sam Gittins); and his girlfriend, Annji (played by Neerja Naik). Also present are Nick’s pregnant sister Kate (played by Holly Weston) and her husband, Scott (played by Kris Saddler).
On Christmas morning, the family wakes up to find their house mysteriously sealed off by a strange, impenetrable black substance. They are cut off from the outside world, with no phone or internet access. Soon after, the television turns on by itself, displaying a cryptic message: “Await Further Instructions.”
As fear and paranoia begin to take hold, the family members start receiving increasingly bizarre and threatening instructions from the television. These commands pit them against each other, leading to escalating tensions, mistrust, and violence within the household. The film explores themes of authority, control, and the breakdown of societal norms under extreme circumstances.
“Await Further Instructions” is known for its claustrophobic atmosphere and its critique of blind obedience to authority. The film builds suspense as the characters’ relationships deteriorate under pressure, leading to a shocking and unsettling conclusion. The movie serves as both a psychological thriller and a commentary on the dangers of uncritical acceptance of media and authority figures.