Critics often noted the film's shift in tone. While the original relied on atmospheric tension and a sense of isolation, the sequel adopts a more action-oriented approach, frequently utilizing shaky-cam and low-budget location tropes like industrial warehouses.

From Barrow to the Bay: A Critical Analysis of 30 Days of Night: Dark Days

The film emphasizes the psychological toll of Stella's mission. By the finale, her pursuit of justice blurs the line between humanity and the monsters she hunts.