Night Comes On

Yes it is slow at times. And your heart does go or to them both. Both let down by life. But it is gripping, well after and worth watching. Makes you think.

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.

Loved it! It was recommended in the NYT as a hidden gem. I wish more people would have seen this gem. The scenes with the dad underwhelm, but the ending brings it back around.

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 story of two black girls living in foster homes facing life's challenges and trying to reunite with their estranged father.

The Low I.Q zombies have flooded the comments with pointless blabber! The Director & writer places the viewers in each turbulent scene almost mimicking your emotions! Noteworthy Cast & Beautiful Cinematography!

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.

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.

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.

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.