Kirby anchors tense Netflix thriller Night Always Comes

Vanessa Kirby delivers a commanding performance in a tense Netflix thriller hampered by a patchy script.

Vanessa Kirby commands Night Always Comes

Night Always Comes follows Lynette, a penniless Portland waitress who must raise $25,000 in one night to keep her family home. Her brother Kenny, who has Down's syndrome, is part of the pressure as they navigate threats and a countdown that tightens the noose around them. The setup nods to late night thrillers like Victoria, with most action unfolding in streets and back rooms as danger escalates.

Vanessa Kirby plays Lynette with grit and intensity, keeping the story moving even as some dialogue falters. The production builds a gritty mood and tight pacing, but the script can feel predictable in places. Still, Kirby's performance anchors the film and gives the night a driving force that lingers after the credits.

The film turns a single night into a study of fear, resilience, and ethical choice. It uses poverty and a family member with a disability to heighten tension, which raises questions about representation in genre cinema.

Pacing is a mixed bag. The rhythm spikes in bursts but sometimes stalls in familiar beats. Netflix gets a bold showcase piece here, and it starts a conversation about how thrillers treat vulnerable characters.

Highlights

The night ends, but the questions linger about what this film says beyond the chase.