Night Tide
Night Tide

Night Tide

1961Movie84 minEnglish

A young sailor falls in love with a mysterious woman performing as a mermaid on the local pier. As they become entwined, he comes to suspect the woman might be a real mermaid who lures men to a watery death during the full moon. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in partnership with The Film Foundation in 2007.

Read Reviews

Insights

IMDb6.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes71%
Director: Curtis HarringtonGenres: Horror, Mystery, Romance

Plot Summary

A young Navy sailor on leave encounters a mysterious and alluring woman who performs at a jazz club. He soon becomes entangled in her life, discovering she claims to be a siren with a deadly past. As their relationship deepens, he finds himself drawn into a series of suspicious deaths plaguing the coastal town, forcing him to confront the terrifying possibility of her supernatural nature.

Critical Reception

Night Tide is considered a cult classic and a significant early work in the careers of both director Curtis Harrington and star Dennis Hopper. While not a mainstream hit upon release, it has garnered a dedicated following for its atmospheric dread, unique premise, and blend of noir and supernatural elements. It is often praised for its stylistic visuals and haunting mood, despite its low budget.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its moody, atmospheric direction and dreamlike quality.
  • Appreciated for its unique take on the siren myth and its noir-infused horror.
  • Dennis Hopper's performance is noted as a compelling early turn.

Google audience: Audience reviews often highlight the film's enduring cult status and its effectiveness as a stylish, atmospheric horror film that stands out for its originality and mood.

Fun Fact

Director Curtis Harrington drew inspiration for the film from his own childhood experiences and fascination with urban legends and mythological creatures.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
jackpeep

jackpeep

A stunning, atmospheric, darkly beautiful film (noir). It's a Val Lewton-esque romance tinged with horror, set in a wonderfully spooky seaside town. It's a film about feeling alone, and then falling into anything, no matter how dangerous, t...