A Desperate Race Against Time: Review of “Night Always Comes”
⭐⭐⭐ 3/5 Stars
“Night Always Comes,” directed by Benjamin Caron and released on Netflix, plunges viewers into a high-stakes, single-night odyssey. Starring Vanessa Kirby as Lynette, the film follows her frantic and increasingly dangerous quest to raise $25,000 before a morning deadline. This sum is crucial to prevent her and her vulnerable brother, Kenny (Zack Gottsagen), from being evicted from their Portland home, a situation thrust upon them by her erratic mother (Jennifer Jason Leigh) who squanders their down payment on a new car.
The film, based on Willy Vlautin’s novel “The Night Always Comes,” is a gritty exploration of desperation and survival. Lynette’s journey takes her through the city’s underbelly, forcing her to confront past traumas, make morally compromising choices, and interact with a rogues’ gallery of characters, including former clients and shady contacts. The ticking clock mechanism, often visualized on screen, intensifies the pressure as Lynette risks everything to secure a future for her family.
Direction and Cinematography
Benjamin Caron, known for his work on “The Crown” and “Andor,” brings a tense, propulsive energy to “Night Always Comes.” The film employs a neo-noir aesthetic, with cinematographer Damián García effectively capturing the grimy, nocturnal atmosphere of Portland. The use of a desaturated palette and often tight, anxious shots emphasizes Lynette’s dwindling hope and increasing despair.
While Caron expertly builds suspense in the early, frenetic stages of Lynette’s quest, some critics have noted that the episodic nature of her encounters can occasionally feel contrived, and the film’s pacing sometimes meanders. However, the visual style and Adam Janota Bzowski’s dissonant score consistently reinforce the harrowing nature of Lynette’s predicament, creating a suffocating sense of urgency.
Performance
Vanessa Kirby delivers a compelling and often raw performance as Lynette. She portrays the character with a potent blend of vulnerability, ferocity, and sheer determination. Kirby is in nearly every scene, anchoring the film with her magnetic presence and conveying Lynette’s exhaustion, frustration, and fleeting moments of hope without needing extensive dialogue. Her ability to transition between fragility and an almost abrasive resilience is a key strength of the film.
The supporting cast, including Jennifer Jason Leigh as the unpredictable mother, Zack Gottsagen as the endearing brother, and various memorable turns from actors like Randall Park, Julia Fox, and Eli Roth, add texture to Lynette’s perilous journey. Gottsagen, in particular, provides a touching and grounding presence as Kenny, underscoring the stakes for Lynette.
Themes and Impact
“Night Always Comes” delves into pressing social issues, primarily the crushing weight of economic inequality and the brutal realities faced by those on the margins. It explores themes of poverty, housing insecurity, the sacrifices made for family, and the ethical compromises one might resort to when pushed to the brink. The film is a stark commentary on a system that offers little empathy or safety net, forcing individuals into desperate measures.
While the film’s intentions are noble in highlighting these struggles, some reviews suggest it occasionally falls short of profound insight, sometimes prioritizing its thriller elements over deeper emotional resonance. Despite this, “Night Always Comes” is an unsettling and thought-provoking watch that prompts reflection on resilience, systemic indifference, and the lengths of human endurance.
In conclusion, “Night Always Comes” is a tense and emotionally charged drama propelled by Vanessa Kirby’s powerful performance. Though its narrative momentum may occasionally falter, it remains a grimly relevant and impactful film, shedding a spotlight on societal pressures with an unflinching gaze.
About The Author
