Night Always Comes 2025

Night Always Comes (2025) is a gritty, heart-pounding crime thriller directed by Benjamin Caron, inspired by Willy Vlautin’s 2021 novel. It hit Netflix on August 15, 2025, and stars Vanessa Kirby as Lynette, a woman on a frantic, one-night mission through Portland’s criminal scene to gather $25,000 and stop her family from being evicted.

Plot Overview

Lynette is juggling several jobs and night school, all to build a better future for her family. But when her mom, Doreen, blows their $25,000 for a home down payment on a new car, Lynette’s life spirals out of control. She reaches out to her old client Scott for help, setting off a chain of events that make her face her dark past and make tough choices to save her family.

Cast & Characters

• Vanessa Kirby as Lynette

• Jennifer Jason Leigh as Doreen

• Zack Gottsagen as Kenny

• Stephan James as Cody

• Randall Park as Scott

• Julia Fox as Gloria

• Michael Kelly as Tommy

• Eli Roth as Blake

The cast delivers some seriously strong performances, with Kirby’s take on Lynette getting a lot of praise for its depth and authenticity.

Direction & Cinematography

Directed by Benjamin Caron, who’s known for The Crown and Andor, the film captures the raw intensity of Lynette’s journey. Cinematographer Damián García uses close shots and dim lighting to pull viewers into Lynette’s claustrophobic world. The film’s relentless pace mirrors Lynette’s desperation and the ticking clock she’s racing against.

Themes & Social Commentary

Night Always Comes dives into themes like poverty, survival, and the lengths people will go to for family. It paints a stark picture of systemic inequality and the tough realities faced by those on society’s edges. The film’s social commentary is both timely and meaningful, shining a light on often overlooked issues.

Reception & Ratings

The film has generally received positive reviews, scoring 62/100 on Metacritic from 12 critics. Critics have praised its emotional depth and Kirby’s performance, though some mentioned pacing issues and its heavy reliance on bleak trauma.

Where to Watch

Night Always Comes is streaming on Netflix.

If you’re in the mood for a raw, character-driven thriller that digs into family, survival, and societal challenges, Night Always Comes offers a gripping and thought-provoking experience.