In the beloved 1984 film Gremlins, the mysterious Mogwai creatures come with three critical rules to prevent them from transforming into chaotic, malevolent Gremlins. These rules are simple yet crucial, and breaking them unleashes the havoc the movie is famous for. The rules are as follows: never expose them to bright light, especially sunlight; never let them come into contact with water; and most importantly, never feed them after midnight. Each rule is rooted in the Mogwai's biology, and disregarding them can lead to disastrous consequences.
The first rule is to avoid exposing Mogwai to bright light, particularly sunlight, as it can kill them. This rule highlights their sensitivity to light, a trait that defines their nocturnal nature. Bright light causes the Mogwai discomfort, while prolonged exposure can cause severe harm or even death. This sensitivity plays a significant role in the film, as it provides a key vulnerability that humans can use to combat the Gremlins. Sunlight becomes the ultimate weapon against these mischievous creatures, underscoring the importance of respecting this rule.
The second rule is to ensure Mogwai never come into contact with water, as even a single drop triggers rapid reproduction. This unique biological response causes the Mogwai to spawn multiple offspring, leading to an uncontrollable population explosion. The new Mogwai created in this process are often more mischievous and unruly than the original, setting the stage for chaos. This rule emphasizes the importance of responsibility and care when dealing with creatures whose biology is so radically different from anything on Earth. In the film, this rule is famously broken, leading to disastrous consequences for the town.
The most infamous rule is to never feed Mogwai after midnight. Violating this rule initiates a metamorphosis process in which the Mogwai transforms into a Gremlin—a destructive, malevolent creature with no regard for anything in its path. This transformation is irreversible and marks the point where the once-cute Mogwai becomes a true threat. The ambiguity of "after midnight" has sparked debates among fans (e.g., when does "after midnight" technically end?), but within the context of the movie, the rule serves as a key plot device that escalates the story into chaos.