‘Night Always Comes‘ delivers a Stark look at Economic Hardship, Starring Vanessa Kirby

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A refreshing departure from narratives focused on the ultra-wealthy, the Netflix thriller “Night Always Comes” offers a raw and unsettling exploration of financial precarity. while the film’s script isn’t without its flaws, it resonates with a stark realism and boasts a captivating central performance from Vanessa Kirby.

A desperate Struggle for Stability

The film centers on Lynette, portrayed by Kirby, a woman relentlessly working to secure a home for her family – a refuge for her mother, brother with Down syndrome, and herself. Her unwavering dedication is symbolized by the red vest she consistently wears,a visual portrayal of her tireless efforts. The looming threat of gentrification and rising property values creates a desperate race against time, highlighted when Lynette’s mother unexpectedly prioritizes a new car over the down payment on their potential home.

With only twelve hours to recover the lost $25,000, Lynette finds herself navigating morally ambiguous choices, resorting to methods she’d previously avoided.Her past experiences with homelessness further complicate matters,impacting her creditworthiness and forcing her into increasingly precarious situations.

The Silent Crisis of Gentrification

Set in contemporary Portland, Oregon, “Night Always Comes” vividly portrays the effects of gentrification. The film illustrates how increased investment has altered the city’s landscape, displacing long-time residents and exacerbating economic inequalities. This displacement impacts families like Lynette’s, facing an increasingly unaffordable habitat with limited opportunities.

The film taps into a rarely depicted struggle: the silent descent of the lower middle class into poverty. While recent productions like the Netflix series “Maid” have explored similar themes, many current narratives often focus on the lives of the affluent, as seen in shows like “The White Lotus” or films like “Triangle of Sadness.” According to a 2023 report by the National Low Income Housing Coalition, there’s a shortage of over 7 million affordable rental homes in the United States, increasing the strain on vulnerable populations.

Kirby’s Powerful Performance and Narrative Stumbles

Vanessa Kirby delivers a remarkable performance as Lynette, showcasing a compelling mix of vulnerability and resilience. Having previously gained recognition for her role as Princess Margaret in “The Crown,” Kirby proves her versatility with this gritty and complex character. co-star Zack Gottsagen, known for his role in “The peanut Butter falcon,” also delivers a compelling performance, while Jennifer Jason leigh offers a nuanced portrayal of Lynette’s mother.

However, the film’s narrative suffers from predictability and a somewhat forced plot twist involving a past trauma. Introducing this element feels contrived, detracting from the initial focus on economic desperation. The later portrayal of Lynette’s actions as overly brutal creates a distance between the audience and her character, diminishing the emotional impact of her struggle.

Feature Details
Title Night Always Comes
Platform Netflix
Runtime 108 minutes
Starring vanessa Kirby,Zack Gottsagen,Jennifer Jason Leigh
Genre Thriller,Drama

Did You Know? The term “gentrification” was coined in 1964 by British sociologist Ruth Glass,describing the displacement of working-class residents by wealthier newcomers in London neighborhoods.