Nightwatch

Watch Nightwatch

  • R
  • 1998
  • 1 hr 41 min
  • 6.2  (21,230)
  • 40

Nightwatch is a 1997 psychological thriller directed by Ole Bornedal, starring Ewan McGregor, Nick Nolte, and Anais Evans. This movie tells the story of a young law student named Martin Bells (Ewan McGregor) who takes a graveyard shift job at a city morgue to make some extra cash. The job seems easy enough at first, but things quickly take a disturbing turn when Martin sees something he shouldn't have.

As he works alone in the morgue, Martin becomes increasingly paranoid and tormented by his own fear of death. When a serial killer starts targeting young women in the city, Martin realizes that he may have witnessed one of the murders without even realizing it. He becomes a suspect in the case, and the police, led by detective Thomas Cray (Nick Nolte), begin to view Martin with suspicion.

As the body count rises and the pressure mounts on Martin, he must navigate a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse with the killer, all while trying to prove his innocence to the police. Along the way, he receives support from his girlfriend Katherine (Patricia Arquette) and his roommate and best friend James (Josh Brolin), but it's unclear who he can trust as the investigation unfolds.

Nightwatch is a tense and atmospheric film that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats throughout. The setting of the morgue is used effectively to create a sense of isolation and claustrophobia, while Martin's increasing paranoia adds to the film's overall sense of unease. McGregor delivers a convincing performance as the increasingly paranoid Martin, and he's supported by a strong cast that includes Nolte as the police detective tasked with solving the case.

One of the standout features of Nightwatch is its visual style. The film has a distinctive look that sets it apart from other thrillers of the era. The use of shadow and light is particularly effective, creating a sense of mystery and danger that adds to the tension of the film. The cinematography is complemented by a haunting score by the Danish musician Joachim Holbek, which adds to the film's atmosphere of unease.

While Nightwatch is primarily a psychological thriller, it also contains elements of horror, particularly in its depiction of the killer. The identity of the killer is shrouded in mystery, and the film ramps up the tension as Martin and the police come closer to discovering who is responsible for the murders. The scenes involving the killer are particularly chilling, and the film doesn't shy away from showing the gruesome details of the murders.

Overall, Nightwatch is a well-crafted thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Its unconventional setting and visual style set it apart from other films in the genre, while its strong cast and tense atmosphere make it a must-watch for fans of psychological thrillers.

Nightwatch is a 1998 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2 and a MetaScore of 40.

Nightwatch
Description
Where to Watch Nightwatch
Nightwatch is available to watch free on Pluto TV and Kanopy. It's also available to stream, download and buy on demand at Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play and Vudu. Some platforms allow you to rent Nightwatch for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    1998
  • MPAA Rating
    R
  • Runtime
    1 hr 41 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    6.2  (21,230)
  • Metascore
    40