You nailed it.From what I understood from the plot the Mc, Tilly, Karine and Francine weren't taking the zombies/wendigos/demons(?) threat seriously at all, I mean they were literally shopping as if nothing was happening
What happened to Jennifer while unfortunate was necessary...it was a wake up call for them, now they are alert and ready for anything and most important are together in the basement, which is going to be the prelude for the relationship progression between the characters.
Uh... spoiler alert for those who haven't played the game