Gyllenhaal's chilling turn drives a razor-sharp media satire that cuts deep.
Verdict tier Exceptional, critics broadly rave, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.
Not streaming in India
Critic consensus
Nightcrawler received strongly positive notices, with critics broadly agreeing it is one of the best films of the year. Jake Gyllenhaal's unsettling, magnetic performance as Lou Bloom was a focal point across reviews, with multiple critics highlighting the discomforting experience of being drawn to a deeply sinister character. The film's tonal range — functioning simultaneously as thriller, dark comedy, and social commentary on media sensationalism — was also widely appreciated, as was Robert Elswit's cinematography. Minor criticisms included the ending feeling like a weak point and one reviewer noting the film does not quite reach the heights of its cinematic predecessors.
1 not-rated review isn't plotted
Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10
AI-generated summary of 12 critic reviews · may contain errors
Report inaccuracyFrom the papers
Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated
Top critic
Film review ·
The film is directed by first timer Dan Gilroy (the brother of Tony Gilroy of the Bourne movies), yet it feels like it's made by an auteur with a ton of experience. Despite heavy themes embedded within the narrative the film is a black comedy, and in fact a lot of fun. Some of it is even a horror movie, but whatever the shift in tone the intrigue level is always at full throttle.
Top critic
Film review ·
The film works best as a slick suspenseful thriller...
Top critic
Film review ·
'Nightcrawler' is no 'Taxi Driver', and Lou while a reflection of our full and empty times isn't really a product of it.
Film review ·
Perhaps what keeps one glued to Nightcrawler is the marvel that one is bound to feel at one's inability to dislike such a clearly diabolic character. There's something beguilingly vulnerable in the wide blue eyes of Louis Bloom and though you will find him likeable at first, its his (and Gyllenhaal's) ability to gain your trust that will leave you disturbed.
Film review ·
The City of Angels is photographed with breathtaking virtuosity by Robert Elswit. A sonorous music score by James Newton Howard adds to the film's impact.
Film review ·
The film ends on a strange but wholly believable note though it seems like it could stick out as the only sore point in an otherwise pulsating film. That said, Nightcrawler is one of the best films to have come out this year and despite all the big budget entertainers and A-list directors coming out with films that make more noise before release and leave you feeling underwhelmed, Nightcrawler is a sleeper hit. Forget everything else that's on in the theatres right now and watch this masterpiece of a film.
Film review ·
It's a disturbingly stark and sufficiently suffocating look at the stuff that makes monsters of men. Recommended watching for every student of human nature.
Film review ·
A reflection of the present times when television and their 'breaking news' have become a part and parcel of our lives, Nightcrawler is an excellent study about a man who wants to deliver at all costs. What I particularly liked about the screenplay is the fact that it is as much of a character study of the man in question as it is a commentary on today's world.
Film review ·
Nightcrawler is tense and appalling, yet strangely funny, intriguing and engaging at the same time. Watch it.
Film review ·
There aren't a lot of movies like Nightcrawler out there. The concept is fresh, the characters are well-etched and the pacing is rather perfect. The best thing about the movie is the fact that it can be watched time and again, and it will still manage to haunt you afterwards.
Film review ·
The most frightening thing about Jake Gyllenhaal in Nightcrawler - even more than those sallow, sunken cheeks, those googly eyes, and that unkempt hair tied into a greasy bun - is his smile.
Film review ·
Even though the nightcrawling is an alien thought to India. The theme of invasion of privacy is a universal truth. Even more relevant is the theme of opportunism. And if you thought crime doesn't pay, you've got another think coming. Nightcrawler is a slick, gritty and hard hitting thriller. Easily the best film in theatres in a long time.
From our readers
19 ratings · user score 8.0
I love crime dramas, and when the drama is about a person who undergoes psychological metamorphosis, I jump up in my seat. Nightcrawler promises to be one such drama and it succeeds well in its promise. Talking about a cunning thief-turned-freelance journalist Lou (Jake Gyllenhaal), the story takes you inside one of the most daring professions and uptight businesses in the current world. Lou embarks on a journey to earn easy money out of his newfound passion which he also happens to be good at: crime scene shooting. His road to mastery as a freelancer could not have been shown in a better way: he self- studies and grasps things that he believes will be useful in that particular profession. Being manipulative and daring, he is an opportunist who scavenges for news stories as Gilroy's script gathers pace. He stops at nothing, and by the startling climax, it is evident that Lou has been transformed into an unscrupulous psychopath who will do anything to keep the meter running. The plot addresses the issue of how dangerous journalism can be, and forces us to think about the present codes of journalism followed around the world. In a fast-moving life, journalists do not care for lives, depicting a new world order. As a result, the film turns out to be engaging and sort of a real procedural from a journalistic eye. Jake Gyllenhaal is terrific and totally into the character throughout the movie. His eyes, physique, make-up - all work of pure genius - transcends his usual performing skills. Riz Ahmed, as the amateur sidekick, is very good. Rene Russo gives an enthralling performance. All are directed well and although, few scenes may seem like dragging, they culminate into excellent story arcs. A great score drives the whole drama and creates a thriller out of it. Seamless screenplay, some good photography, and a dark setup succeeds in bringing out a perfect package which entertains as well inspires us to think about the corrupted times we live in. BOTTOM LINE: There is no particular bad thing about Nightcrawler. It is definitely a modern masterpiece and the fact that it is being heavily snubbed in this year's bias kingly awards season backs it. One of the very few best films of 2014. Can be watched with a typical Indian family? YES
Credits
Jake GyllenhaalLouis Bloom
Rene RussoNina
Riz AhmedRick
Bill PaxtonJoe Loder
Kevin RahmFrank Kruse
Michael HyattDetective Fronteiri
Ann CusackLinda
Jonny CoynePawn Shop Owner
Eric LangeCameraman
Kiff VandenHeuvelEditor
Kathleen YorkJackie
Dan Gilroy
Jennifer Fox
Tony Gilroy
David Lancaster
James Newton Howard
Robert Elswit
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