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Back in 2019, writer and director Josh Lobo burst onto the horror scene with his debut. I trapped the devil. Now he’s back with a new esoteric, disturbing horror film co-written by Rowan Russell, titled Night after night. The film tells the story of two security guards who work in a mysterious and highly private facility. When strange figures start appearing in the building during the night shift, it sends the two guards on very different paths as they try to unlock the secrets of their workplace.
This is Lobo’s secondary feature film, Night after night shows that he clearly has a signature style and tone for his films. Most notably, Lobo tends to create horror films that speak to the dark side of human nature. Two security guards work for an organization that seems very cultish and is shrouded in secrecy about what they do. Things get even weirder on the night shift, because every night when everyone goes home, silent, naked people appear in the building and leave when morning comes. Who are these people? what do they want where do they come from along with Night after nightThe film is divided into chapters, each focusing on a different character. This allows the audience to really get to know the main characters and also reveal key information from different perspectives. The haunting, slow-burn story touches on many fascinating themes. This includes exploring themes of loneliness, how people react to the unknown, and the inherent violence that is part of human nature. If you are a movie buff who needs all your questions answered, then this is not the movie for you. Lobo doesn’t mince explanations when it comes to what the Institute really is, how they function, or even the origins of the strange figures that lurk in the night. Instead, it focuses on how the main characters react to these issues, forcing the audience to wonder how they would react in a similar situation. It’s a really compelling, thought-provoking story that will spark plenty of heated conversation and, most likely, fascinating written analysis.
One thing makes actors Night after night What’s interesting is that the characters seem to defy the stereotypes you’d expect based on appearance alone. Scott Poythress (I trapped the devil, Greenland) plays the role of Andy, a daytime security guard. On the surface, Poythress portrays Andy in a way that feels like someone complaining about the epidemic of male loneliness. However, this character has layers. Her loneliness is a big part of who she is, but the way she reacts to the mysteries surrounding her is quite unexpected, showing a deep empathy that most people don’t possess these days. Johnny Sybil (Hacks, Strange as folk) plays the night security guard, Willis. Willis has an innate curiosity and desire to solve the puzzle of his workplace and strangers, a desire Andy lacks. On the surface, this is a character who may be more open to the unknown, but Sybil shows the audience that Willis is much more complex and conflicted. The film also features a strong performance from Alexis Luder (A violent night) and AJ Bowen (you are next).
Because Night after night A film that is deeply rooted in metaphor and explores the human psyche, sights and sounds play an important role in the film’s success. The space where unknown people appear is usually shown in black and white. There are also security cameras set up throughout the building that show things in infrared, but these strangers only appear as shapeless blobs on these cameras. These and other interesting camera works help us to see that strangers are not necessarily human, but that doesn’t mean they should be feared. There’s also a bit of practical effects work that looks great and adds a little bit of oomph. When it comes to sound design, a lot of what is heard is intended to set the audience. It incorporates disorienting sounds that sound alarm bells of danger, helping to place the audience in the same head as Andy and Willis. This makes it easier to step into the shoes of these characters and decide how you would react to the peculiar situations in which these people find themselves. Every sight and sound adds to the mystery, heightens the suspense, and creates a strange balance of fear and compassion.
Night after night Lobo is another success as he uses slow-burn tension to tell a disturbing, unflinching tale that explores human nature. The script he co-created with Russell might be too obscure for the casual moviegoer, but those willing to do a little mental work along the way will find the strange, mental story quite appealing. Poythress and Sibilly both give excellent performances, often defying expectations one might have when meeting their individual characters. With visuals and sound design aimed at instilling nervousness and building suspense, viewers will find this to be a unique cinematic experience that forces a little more mental exercise than your typical horror flick. Night after night It’s currently on the festival circuit, so be sure to keep an eye out for when it’s in a theater near you.
Overall rating: 7/10
