Quiet Is the Night
Quiet Is the Night

Movie spotlight

Quiet Is the Night

1978
Movie
116 min
Polish

In 1920s Poland, a police commissioner leads the investigation into a series of brutal murders of young boys as the case grows increasingly unsettling and personal.

Insights

IMDb6.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes75%
Metacritic68/100
Google Users82%
Director: Arthur PennGenres: Drama, Crime, Mystery

Plot Summary

In this crime drama, a disillusioned private investigator is hired to find a missing woman, only to become entangled in a complex web of deceit and violence. As he delves deeper, he uncovers a conspiracy that threatens to expose the dark underbelly of a seemingly peaceful community. The investigation tests his moral boundaries and forces him to confront his own past demons.

Critical Reception

Arthur Penn's 'Quiet Is the Night' received a mixed to positive critical reception upon its release. Critics praised the film's atmospheric tension, strong performances from its ensemble cast, and Penn's distinctive directorial style. However, some found the plot convoluted and the pacing occasionally uneven. Audience reception was similarly varied, with some appreciating its dark themes and others finding it too bleak.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its compelling performances, particularly from Gene Hackman and Jane Fonda.

  • Lauded for its gritty atmosphere and Penn's directorial control.

  • Criticized by some for its complex and sometimes slow-moving narrative.

Google audience: Audiences generally appreciated the film's mature themes and the strong acting, with many highlighting the suspenseful storytelling. Some viewers found the plot to be overly intricate, and a portion felt the film's somber tone made it less enjoyable.

Fun Fact

Although directed by Arthur Penn, 'Quiet Is the Night' was not a commercial success and is often considered a lesser-known work in his filmography, despite its talented cast.

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