NIGHT ALWAYS COMES
Starring: Vanessa Kirby, Zack Gottsagen, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Stephan James, Julia Fox, Randall Park, Eli Roth, and Michael Kelly
Director: Benjamin Caron
QUENTIN
While Vanessa Kirby gives a standout performance, Night Always Comes disappointingly doesn’t invest enough in its story to match her efforts. First and foremost, it only superficially establishes the stakes. I understand that Lynette (Kirby) needs $25,000 by morning or she loses her house. But what does that mean? The movie never gives a reason to care outside of it being generally bad news. The story doesn’t develop many of the character relationships either, as Lynette’s night is a series of seedy vignettes, jumping from one B-level cameo to the next. It’s admittedly decently directed, but it’s still just a poor man’s Good Time.
PAIGE
Night Always Comes is an enthralling, bleak drama from start to finish that will have you stressfully rooting for Vanessa Kirby’s character to get out of a series of bad situations. For her part, Kirby continues to prove that she truly is one of the most underrated and versatile actresses working today. The rest of the supporting cast work to elevate the film too. That said, while the performances match the cool aesthetic, the overall film doesn't reach its full potential. I just wish it had bared its soul a bit more.
ROBERT
A movie premise that takes place in one day (or night) will always be popular because so many conflicts happening in such a short time is thrilling. Night Always Comes borrows from many previous films to progress Lynette (Vanessa Kirby) through her tumultuous evening in search of quick cash, relying on Kirby’s revelatory performance as someone always simmering with rage but trying to keep it under control for her family. Unfortunately, while the viewer isn’t given a chance to breathe, neither is the story around Kirby. There are seemingly no consequences for anything that happens, leaving a film that feels incomplete even though it is composed well.
KATIE
Unfortunately, Nothing about Night Always Comes is convincing. Vanessa Kirby gives a fine performance, but I didn’t get any sense of urgency from her actions or the circumstances that are forcing her hand. Characters come and go inconsequentially, and it feels like Kirby’s character just moves indifferently from one bleak event to the next. The film superficially engages with themes of financial insecurity and mental health, but doesn’t really have an emotional impact. It has some good-looking nighttime cinematography, but, overall, it lacks the tension and energy that are central to the success of any thriller.
