Vanessa Kirby is a captivating presence among contemporary British actresses, known for her consistent excellence. In the Netflix film Night Always Comes, she portrays Lynette, a woman facing financial hardship and desperately trying to save her home and family from eviction. The narrative follows Lynette through a night of harrowing experiences, crime, and confronting painful memories from her past.
The writing, by Sarah Conradt, effectively portrays Lynette’s resilience. Her attempts to secure the necessary funds for her family’s survival range from unusual to extreme, reflecting the desperation of her situation. At times, the film’s plot veers into the improbable, such as a scene where Lynette steals a safe filled with cash. Despite these moments, director Benjamin Caron maintains a gripping pace, keeping the audience engaged through Lynette’s resourceful and often dangerous actions. From befriending a felon, Cody, to encountering an old exploitative acquaintance, Tommy, Lynette’s night is far from easy.
The film shares the one-night-of-crazy-adventures format seen in films like Sudhir Mishra’s Iss Raat Ki Subah Nahin and the recent Tamil film Good Day. This setting creates a world of shadows and lurking dangers. Kirby’s Lynette is far from a victim. She is in need of funds, yet is not a damsel in distress, with the story focusing on her ability to outsmart her adversaries. A standout scene involves Lynette stealing her client Scott’s car after a sexual encounter, with the vehicle later proving unexpectedly useful, before eventually betraying her. While it might be ethically questionable to describe Night Always Comes as entertaining, its grip on the audience is undeniable, offering a riveting experience. Kirby’s performance is deeply embedded in her character, portraying a protective sister in this film. Give her a crisis, and watch her cope.