Night Passage
Night Passage

Movie spotlight

Night Passage

2020
Movie
98 min
English

Night Passage is a digital film on friendship and death. Made in homage to Miyazawa Kenji's classic novel, Milky Way Railroad, the story evolves around the spiritual journey of a young woman, in the company of her best friend and a little boy, into a world of rich in-between realities. Their venture into and out of the land of "awakened dreams" occurs during a long ride on a night train. The filmmaker elegantly depicts each encounter in two-dimensional space with a unique artistic gesture and ingeniously frames the passage as a series of rhythmic image sequensces as seen through the window of a train.

Insights

IMDb4.5/10
Director: Gigi BerardiGenres: Drama, Thriller

Plot Summary

A disillusioned former detective, haunted by a past case, is drawn back into the criminal underworld when his estranged daughter becomes entangled in a dangerous conspiracy. He must confront his own demons and navigate a treacherous path to uncover the truth and protect her before it's too late. The film explores themes of redemption, family ties, and the corrupting influence of power.

Critical Reception

Night Passage received a mixed to negative reception from critics, who often cited a convoluted plot and uneven pacing. While some appreciated the performances of the lead actors, particularly Alexandra Paul, many found the film failed to live up to its potential as a suspenseful thriller. Audience scores were similarly divided, with some viewers enjoying the darker tone and familiar genre elements.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its attempt at a gritty noir atmosphere.

  • Criticized for a confusing narrative that detracts from the suspense.

  • Performances were seen as a highlight, though not enough to save the film.

Google audience: Audience reviews for Night Passage are scarce, making it difficult to determine a definitive consensus. Those who did engage with the film often expressed disappointment with the story's complexity and a perceived lack of originality in its thriller elements.

Fun Fact

The film was shot in various locations across California, aiming to capture a sense of urban decay and suspense.

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