Unveiling ‘Night Always Comes’: A Gripping Review of Vanessa Kirby’s Intense Journey in Netflix’s Dark Neo-Noir Thriller

Set during a tense and gripping night, Netflix’s Night Always Comes features Vanessa Kirby in a compelling role that captures deep internal struggle and desperation. This film, based on Willy Vlautin’s praised novel, slips into neo-noir territory. While it paints a vivid picture of a precarious American landscape, it sometimes loses the broader social context that made the book resonate.

Kirby stars as Lynette, a woman living in her run-down childhood home in Portland. She cares for her developmentally disabled brother, Kenny (Zack Gottsagen), and deals with their unreliable mother, Doreen (Jennifer Jason Leigh), who works at a grocery store. The family is struggling; their father abandoned them long ago.

In the film, the backdrop of rising housing costs, job instability, and inflation mirrors the struggles faced by many working-class Americans. Lynette is determined to buy the house to provide her brother with stability and keep social services at bay. “I just want to have one win,” she says, representing the countless families trying to get by. Their landlord, David (J. Claude Deering), has offered them a chance to buy, but Lynette needs Doreen to help with the down payment.

Initially, the film dives deep into Lynette’s character—a tired woman burdened with responsibility while her mother remains emotionally detached. She juggles three jobs: working at a bakery, serving at a bar, and occasionally turning tricks with businessman Scott (Randall Park). Through flashbacks, the film hints at her troubled past, including personal trauma that Doreen refuses to acknowledge.

The turning point comes when Doreen bails on a critical meeting with David to discuss the house. Instead, she shows up later with a new car, indifferent to their looming eviction. Lynette is left scrambling to raise $25,000 by morning to secure their future. The plot unfolds in real-time, with a ticking clock amplifying the tension.

One of the film’s raw moments occurs when Lynette meets Scott, who dismisses her struggles, emphasizing the divide between the wealthy and those living on the edge. As she becomes increasingly desperate, her moral compass deteriorates, leading her into dangerous situations. Despite her reckless choices, the filmmakers avoid overt judgment of her actions.

Guided by director Benjamin Caron, known for his work on The Crown, the film uses moody cinematography to create an atmosphere that complements its themes. Expertly capturing Lynette’s emotional turmoil, Kirby brings depth to her character, balancing toughness with vulnerability.

A significant element of the story is the relationship between Lynette and Kenny, which provides moments of tenderness against the harshness of their reality. This emotional core highlights the film’s commentary on societal divides, illustrating the struggles many face in pursuit of a better life.

Although Night Always Comes addresses themes of class disparity and the elusive nature of hope in America, some critics feel the emotional impact could have been stronger. The film provokes reflection on broader societal issues, much like real-life challenges many families encounter. As of 2023, a report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that nearly 60% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, a fact that underscores the relevance of Lynette’s struggle in the current economic climate.

In conclusion, Night Always Comes presents a gripping look at one woman’s relentless fight against her circumstances. While it occasionally falters, the film’s portrayal of desperation and resilience resonates with audiences navigating similar hardships today.

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