Magnificently performed against the backdrop of a broken system, where opportunity is destroyed, in this case by those closest to you, and the safety net is stuffed full of drowning fish just like you too.
17 Reviews
Blurred Lines of Adolescence...
Xstal1 June 2020
Interesting story
rawisnwo18 March 2019
I thought this film was very well acted and had an interesting story. The story of trauma on children and the ones that slip through the cracks.
Like some of the other reviewers have stated, it is kind of slow paced throughout. It keeps the somber, melancholy mood throughout however and it fits with the dark subject matters that are touched upon in the film.
Like some of the other reviewers have stated, it is kind of slow paced throughout. It keeps the somber, melancholy mood throughout however and it fits with the dark subject matters that are touched upon in the film.
Promising directing debut from Jordana Spiro
paul-allaer9 February 2022
As "Night Comes On" (2018 release; 86 min.) opens, a young lady (we later learn her name is Angel) is bring released from jail, after serving time for unlawful possession of a weapon. (Why did she need a weapon in the first place?) Her first stop: a gun dealer. Afterwards she looks up some friends in Phillie, hoping to find a place to crash, if only for the night. At this point we are less than 10 min into the movie.
Couple of comments: this is the feature length directing debut of actress Jordana Spiro (she also co-wrote the script). Here she brings us a look at what an 18 yr old faces upon getting released from jail. Let's just say that the odds are not in her favor to succeed. The hard-nosed Parole Officer does her no favors. And where is her family in all this? These questions play out over the movie. Spiro gets an excellent lead performance from Dominique Fishback in her feature length debut role (she would go on to "The Hate U Give" and last year's :Judas and the Black Messiah"). In the end, the film is okay, but it feels like something more profound could've been done with this. All that aside, Spiro's directing debut is quite promising, and I look forward to see where she goes from here.
"Night Comes On" premiered at the 2018 Sundance film festival. I was recently made aware of its existence by a positive read-up in the New York Times recently. The movie is now streaming on Amazon Prime, where I caught it last night. If you are in the mood for a heavy duty post-jail drama, I'd readily suggest you check it out, and draw your own conclusion.
Couple of comments: this is the feature length directing debut of actress Jordana Spiro (she also co-wrote the script). Here she brings us a look at what an 18 yr old faces upon getting released from jail. Let's just say that the odds are not in her favor to succeed. The hard-nosed Parole Officer does her no favors. And where is her family in all this? These questions play out over the movie. Spiro gets an excellent lead performance from Dominique Fishback in her feature length debut role (she would go on to "The Hate U Give" and last year's :Judas and the Black Messiah"). In the end, the film is okay, but it feels like something more profound could've been done with this. All that aside, Spiro's directing debut is quite promising, and I look forward to see where she goes from here.
"Night Comes On" premiered at the 2018 Sundance film festival. I was recently made aware of its existence by a positive read-up in the New York Times recently. The movie is now streaming on Amazon Prime, where I caught it last night. If you are in the mood for a heavy duty post-jail drama, I'd readily suggest you check it out, and draw your own conclusion.
Alright..
jenniferlynn-4955531 August 2018
This movie has a slow pace all the way through but it wasn't bad. You did feel for the girls, especially the little sister. My heart went out to her. She also reminded me of Taystee from oitnb. Not a waste of time but I probably wouldn't watch it again.
A sometimes grim drama about atonement and the cycle of violence
vampire_hounddog2 November 2020
Angel is an 18 year-old girl (Dominique Fishback) released from prison. She has no one to turn to and stay with other than her lesbian girlfriend and has little family, but makes contact with her 10 year-old sister (Tatum Marilyn-Hall). However, Angel has only one thing on her mind and that is to avenge the death of her mother at the hands of their father who murdered their Mom.
A film about the cycle of violence, familial dysfunction in a film led by two outstanding performances by its young actors. It is very downbeat and an often grim film, but is ultimately very rewarding.
A film about the cycle of violence, familial dysfunction in a film led by two outstanding performances by its young actors. It is very downbeat and an often grim film, but is ultimately very rewarding.
great film, really loved it
johnbookstar22 October 2018
Just a great film, great acting, great story, deeply meaningful, I can see how some wound find this film slow but thats what develops the relationships, I really thought it was great, I am surprised by some of the bad reviews here, watch it for yourself. I wont tell the whole story here, but your really feeling these girls' lives and the struggles they face and what they have to overcome to just be average in our world, its heartbreakingly real.
Phenomenal Acting & Cinematography
zac-6827431 August 2020
Not Great but Definitely Not Bad
Pro_Viewer10 August 2018
Starts out slow and continues slow all the way to the slow ending...
This seems like it might be a true story that someone it trying to tell,
But, it just doesn't go anywhere.
The acting was not the problem, It's the incomplete story. Maybe they didn't have a budget, I just don't know. I'm giving it 5 stars only because the girls made an effort.
After we viewed the movie, everyone was asking me: "Why Did We Watch It?"
The acting was not the problem, It's the incomplete story. Maybe they didn't have a budget, I just don't know. I'm giving it 5 stars only because the girls made an effort.
After we viewed the movie, everyone was asking me: "Why Did We Watch It?"
Beautifully Directed
InnerWisdom100014 June 2020
Warning: Spoilers
This is a film about loss, grief and trauma. And having to grow up very quickly. The slow pace at times is not only necessary but very effective at engendering empathy for the two sisters. I understand why some don't get this film but for those who understand loss, pain, abandonment and any kind of trauma, this film is a must-see.
The father's words at the end to his daughter : " what do you want from me?", says it all. She realizes the futility of killing him as he is dead to her anyway. And rightly and courageously walks away. Far more women than men will 'get' this film but for me it was a film that worked not just for it's heart-wrenching script and very accomplished acting but the little and subtle add-ons that the director knew could pull the heart strings for those that have been there before.
Shabby
ockiemilkwood4 October 2018
Characters are entirely unsympathetic, even unlikable. Every other word out of the 10 year-old's mouth is an obscenity. Her older sister has dead eyes and an expressionless, flabby face.
Plot is thin and predictable. Movie rambles aimlessly. Characters are stereotypes. Music, production, cinematography, etc. are all 4th rate.
Movie panders to politically correct identity politics. Its unoriginal, cowardly conformity fails.
This is the directorial debut for pretty, blonde, film-school actress Spiro.
What a flop.
Plot is thin and predictable. Movie rambles aimlessly. Characters are stereotypes. Music, production, cinematography, etc. are all 4th rate.
Movie panders to politically correct identity politics. Its unoriginal, cowardly conformity fails.
This is the directorial debut for pretty, blonde, film-school actress Spiro.
What a flop.
Loss and hope.
p.newhouse@talk21.com30 October 2019
Warning: Spoilers
A beautiful portrait of listlessness and the life of two sisters. The seventeen year old has just been released from prison, and is trying to find her feet in the world, but first she wants answers. The ten year old just wants her sister. When her older sister finds her in her foster home, she hopes that her life is back on track. Beautifully portrayed story of loss and being lost.
A wonderful indie drama about contemplative revenge
kevindoconnel9 December 2023
An 18-year-old African-American young woman, recently released from the juvenile detention center, revisits her old stomping grounds to reconnect with old friends, find a place to stay, and give familial hope to her younger sister who, like the lead, is a resident of the foster system.
I love well-made independent films that retain their grittiness and imperfections--not flaws. "Night Comes On" achieves that outcome. It is a moody film, skillfully paced so that it doesn't get ahead of you, but doesn't leave you wanting, either.
The film's focus is on the teen's struggles to reintegrate into her community, her quest to find her family, and exact revenge on someone who had performed a major injustice against her. The ending is riveting, as the director expertly builds tension that leaves you guessing.
Highly recommended.
I love well-made independent films that retain their grittiness and imperfections--not flaws. "Night Comes On" achieves that outcome. It is a moody film, skillfully paced so that it doesn't get ahead of you, but doesn't leave you wanting, either.
The film's focus is on the teen's struggles to reintegrate into her community, her quest to find her family, and exact revenge on someone who had performed a major injustice against her. The ending is riveting, as the director expertly builds tension that leaves you guessing.
Highly recommended.
Booze is bad
jalan-351193 September 2018
Guess I must've missed something
cscott233127 August 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I must've watched a different movie than all these people who said...beautiful story, great story, beautifully directed, amazing acting. Ummmm on this movie?? The youngest kid was okay. No meat to this story, no ending which is so maddening. But these days all movies that just stop, are the highest awarded. What for??? Critical thinking? If I wanted to think I'd watch another documentary. I came here for a complete story!! Like a book, a movie should have a beginning a middle and an end. Here, I'll end this one for you. The young sister is mad at the older for forcing her dad out of her life after she told her she wanted him around. She doesn't get her out of foster care, because well, she's a kid and can't provide. Or she gets her out and they end up homeless and when she's stealing for food she ends up back in juvenile detention. Sure, it might could end better...but we'll never know because the writer DIDN'T GIVE US ONE!!! Ugh. Total wast of time.
Slow, painful, wonderful
mmanton23 March 2021
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