Night Always Comes is a new film now streaming on Netflix. Written by Sarah Conradt and directed by Benjamin Caron, the film stars Vanessa Kirby, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Zack Gottsagen, Stephen James, Randall Park, Julia Fox, Michael Kelly, and Eli Roth. Facing eviction in a city her family can no longer afford, a woman plunges into a desperate and increasingly dangerous all-night search to raise $25,000.
Any time I see Vanessa Kirby attached to anything, it feels like a movie that needs to be seen. People like to joke how actors like Pedro Pascal are in everything, but Kirby has been in quite a bit too between this, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, and Eden. Kirby has collected an interesting catalogue of roles so far between action and drama. Anytime she’s in an action movie, she brings a specific force to the role. Anytime she’s in a dramatic movie, she’s proving why she’s one of the best working actresses working today, and this movie further proves that.
While I did get early access to the film, my busy schedule prevented me from talking about it even sooner. In my Letterboxd review, I pointed out how this was going to be a divisive film that will get people talking and that proves to be correct so far. There is something deep & relatable in the film, even if it be reaching at times. This is also not a film that’s meant to make you feel good. It will leave you wanting more, and with that, that is life, but it can also be quite underwhelming for those looking for something more conclusive.
I got a lot of Uncut Gems while watching the film. It’s sort of the antithesis of the film, and ironically, both star Julia Fox. This time, Kirby’s character is doing everything in her power with the tools at his disposal in order to collect the money she needs. With Uncut Gems, it’s about greed. Here, it’s about desperation & reality. I can easily see viewers connecting with that aspect of the film, especially when inflation continues to be an ongoing issues.
Director Benjamin Caron brings Sarah Conradt’s vision to life with urgency. It’s transparent how he wants this to drive dialogue for its viewers, even if you have to suspend some disbelief with certain events that occur. Considering the cast that Caron assembles, you can see where the talent trusts the filmmaker. The irony with bringing something important like this to life is that mostly everyone will go back to their much more comfortable lives. While the film wants to show has bad it can be nowadays, it also doesn’t show what we can take from it.
Kirby truly does give a commendable performance that seriously elevates the quality of the film. I even felt like I was about to give a stronger score than what the film probably deserves. As I sat with it longer and longer, I still couldn’t get past some of the creative decisions where things become far worse than what they need to be. The actions Kirby’s character makes hardly has any consequences. While I do believe the ending has the best of intentions, and you can even see it coming a mile away, it is a bit disappointing that she leaves behind a specific key character.
I said before that the cast trusts the director. While I still stand by that, the film leans way too much in cameos, even some that are misplaced. Sometimes, these characters are so minimal that it makes me question why a less-known actor wasn’t cast in the role instead. At least that would give those actors the ability to showcase their talents. Stephan James actually gives one of the more important performances. Randall Park & Michael Kelly are miscast. Julia Fox doesn’t seem necessary. Eli Roth being there is eye-rolling. Jennifer Jason Leigh isn’t bad. It is great to see Zack Gottsagen again though.
The film’s overall concept will either win people over or leave them behind from the get go. I personally love the concept as it works just as well as Kirby’s performance. The way the film plays out really makes the film exciting. The cinematography helps get its themes across with how dark the film is, and for that, the film is shot incredibly well.
Overall, Night Always Comes needs to be seen. It offers a remarkable performance from lead actress Vanessa Kirby. The concept, direction, and cinematography are all fully realized, and manages to make the film better when it sometimes focuses on cliches and cameos.
VERDICT: 3.5/5 (Pretty Good)
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