#nightpatrol

SYNOPSIS: Ethan Hayworth, a new recruit to the special LAPD unit, Night Patrol, is determined to honor his father's legacy who was a member of the unit. He is leaving behind his partner Xavier Carr, a former gang member who grew up in the housing projects they are assigned to patrol. Xavier’s mother, Ayanda, and younger brother, Wazi, still reside there. Xavier's loyalties are tested when he uncovers a terrible secret within the Night Patrol—one that poses a grave threat to the residents of the housing projects. To protect his community, Xavier must set aside his past conflicts with the local street gangs and embrace the Zulu beliefs passed down to him by his mother.

REVIEW: In NIGHT PATROL, director and writer Ryan Prows crafts a dark satire—a vampire tale—that features a variety of colorful characters. Here he blends elements of 1950s and 60s black exploitation films with contemporary elements of street gangs, issues of police brutality, all set against an LA backdrop.

NIGHT PATROL culminates in a third act that fully brings into the spotlight the issue of racism. The film gradually builds to this by contrasting the characters of Ethan and Xavier, while layering in other societal issues. While Ethan's intentions appear altruistic, he cannot escape the "white privilege" woven into the film's vampire themes. Conversely, Xavier grapples with his background from the housing projects, his involvement with the gangs and his mother's peculiar cultural beliefs. As the sinister agenda of the Night Patrol is uncovered, Xavier is drawn back into the world he attempted to leave behind. This process reveals key truths and ultimately validates his mother's seemingly "insane" theology. The film does present some weaknesses concerning these vampires, notably illustrated during a discussion among the gang members after their failed confrontation with members of the Night Patrol.

The narrative of NIGHT PATROL starts with Wazi, Xavier’s younger brother, who witnesses a murder committed by the Night Patrol. Initially, Wazi tries to remain an awestruck observer to the unfolding chaos. However, he is ultimately compelled to act, drawing strength from his mother's beliefs and artifacts.

With a running time of 103 minutes, the feature is overstuffed, containing numerous compelling ideas, interesting characters, and subplots that are ultimately underdeveloped due to time constraints. Consequently, this narrative might have been better suited for development as a limited series on a streaming platform.

Filmmaker Ryan Prows injects a distinctive style into the horror genre by fusing various cultures and genres. He employs an over-saturated aesthetic for the LA daylight scenes, lending the film a period atmosphere, which contrasts with the night sequences' cooler, richer color palette. Prows' use of framing and editing energizes the narrative, creating a roller coaster sensation once the third-act action commences.

The choice of a housing project as the setting amps up the chaos and mayhem. Prows expertly keeps the vampire story focused and tense, preventing it from becoming lost in the location. As expected from the genre, the film delivers ample blood and scenes of throats being ripped out. The special effects are impressive, featuring a strong mix of practical and visual elements. A particularly notable element is the unique design of the fangs used by the Night Patrol, which cleverly integrates into the plot's exploration of racism.

Pepijn Caudron’s score provides a pleasing counterpoint to the film’s existing soundtrack. It subtly enhances the movie's intense moments and deepens the atmosphere of character interactions. The music seamlessly integrates with the soundtrack selections, with the score and existing tracks seamlessly taking turns.

NIGHT PATROL features a strong cast. The script's blend of satire, combined with the satirical performances, establishes a sustained level of irony that often elicits a chuckle, though rarely a full laugh.

Jermaine Fowler delivers a powerful performance as Xavier Carr, presenting a complex and well-balanced character who adeptly handles the action components of the role. Equally compelling is RJ Cyler as the multifaceted Wazi Carr. Cyler brings significant depth and introspection to a character that could have easily fallen into cliché, and his strong screen presence effectively sells the character's arc, particularly in his final action scenes.

The film also features solid villains in Dermot Mulroney and CM Punk, who create a menacing screen presence. Justin Long's performance as Ethan Hayworth is complex and engaging. Initially, he portrays a cynical, snarky cop with the right amount of gravitas. However, after his official induction into the Night Patrol, Long shifts to a frenetic performance as his character struggles with the conversion.

The rest of the supporting cast also provides enjoyable and entertaining performances, making the film a solid viewing experience.

Ryan Prows’ NIGHT PATROL is a refreshed old school film. Prows adds satire, chaos and mayhem with an energetic visual style to unwittingly expose the audience to social and political issues. There is an aesthetic reminiscent of a Roger Corman film, but with a radical cinematic style that delivers a wickedly delightful cinematic treat. I loved the ride. If you enjoy NIGHT PATROL as much as I did, I highly recommend you seek out his 2017 film “Lowlife” and 2021’s anthology film “V/H/S/94” for his segment “Terror.”

Ryan Prows's NIGHT PATROL is a wickedly delightful cinematic treat. It's an energetic, visually stylish film that updates the feel of an old-school movie, bringing to mind the aesthetic of a Roger Corman picture but with a radical modern flair. Prows uses satire, chaos, and mayhem to expose the audience to social and political issues. I thoroughly enjoyed the film. If NIGHT PATROL resonates with you, I highly recommend checking out his 2017 feature “Lowlife” and his "Terror" segment in the 2021 anthology film “V/H/S/94.”

CAST: Jermaine Fowler, Justin Long, Freddie Gibbs, RJ Cyler, Nicki Micheaux, Keenon Dequan “YG” Ray Jackson, Flying Lotus, with Phil Brooks & Dermot Mulroney. CREW: Director - Ryan Prows; Screenplay - Shaye Ogbonna, Ryan Prows, Tim Cairo, & Jake Gibson; Producers - David S. Goyer, Keith Levine, Josh Goldbloom & James Harris; Cinematographer - Benjamin Kitchens; Editor - Bradinn French; Score - Pepijn Caudron; Production Designer - Ryan Martin; Costume Designer - Ayanna James; Special Make Up Effects - Josh Russell & Sierra Spence; Special Effects - Ryan Senecal; Visual Effects Supervisor - Justin Martinez. OFFICIAL: N.A. FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/RLJEfilms X: x.com/RLJEfilms INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/rljefilms/ TRAILER: https://youtu.be/j1axLgXgQ6s?si=mm1WfhU2uXJBBN0O RELEASE DATE: In Theaters January 16, 2026

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