The Night Clerk is a crime thriller that tries to tell a story through the perspective of an autistic person, but it ends up being an ordinary investigative film with some interesting issues interspersed. Though not excellent, it has enough charm to keep you watching until the end.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
Bart Bromley (Tye Sheridan), a young autistic man working as a night clerk at a hotel, has a special ability to notice details and often secretly records guests via CCTV in their rooms. One night, a female guest is murdered while he is on duty, making Bart the prime suspect for the police.
During the investigation, he meets Andrea (Ana de Armas), a mysterious woman staying at the same hotel. Bart feels a connection with her and begins to investigate the truth himself, using his superhuman observation skills. Eventually, he discovers that the real killer is still in the hotel, and Andrea may be the next victim.
Acting and Characters
The highlight of the film is Tye Sheridan's performance, which portrays Bart's autism subtly and realistically. He communicates through intense eye contact and rigid body language that hides sensitivity, making it easy for the audience to sympathize with the character. Ana de Armas plays Andrea with layers, though the role is not very deep; her charm adds color to the film. John Leguizamo plays a weary detective, while Helen Hunt, as Bart's mother, has a limited role.
Direction, Cinematography, and Music
Director Michael Cristofer uses dark tones and dim lighting to create a claustrophobic atmosphere in the hotel. Most scenes are shot in confined spaces, making you feel trapped in Bart's world. Joseph LoDuca's score is simple but enhances tension in key scenes. However, the pacing is quite slow and lacks the thriller rhythm it should have.
Editorial Analysis
What The Night Clerk does well is present autism as a strength, not a weakness. Bart uses his ability to remember details and see what others overlook to solve the case. The film questions societal prejudice against autistic people but doesn't delve deep enough, as it chooses to follow a formulaic investigative path instead of expanding on creative ideas.
The relationship between Bart and Andrea develops too quickly, lacking realistic chemistry, so the emotional climax in the final act doesn't quite work. However, for those who enjoy light investigative films without high expectations, this movie can be a pleasant way to pass the time.
Verdict
The Night Clerk is a thriller that is neither excellent nor terrible. It is suitable for those who enjoy investigative stories and want to see Tye Sheridan and Ana de Armas perform. If you expect a heart-pounding suspense film, you may be disappointed, but if you want a light film to follow character relationships, it's acceptable.
Screenshots
👍 Pros
- +Tye Sheridan's performance realistically and sympathetically portrays autism
- +The concept of highlighting autistic strengths in investigation
- +The claustrophobic hotel atmosphere effectively builds tension
👎 Cons
- −Shallow script and overly slow pacing
- −Predictable mystery plot with no impressive twists
- −The relationship between Bart and Andrea develops hastily, lacking realism
Top Cast
FAQ
No, the film is a fictional story and not based on real events.
The film contains violent scenes and content about murder, so it is suitable for viewers aged 15 and up.
The film was released in theaters in 2020. Currently, it is available for streaming on Netflix and Prime Video in some countries.
