In the Dead of Night

Author(s): Patrick D.
Location: Long Island

"In the Dead of Night"

Directed by Tommy O'Haver
Screenplay by Tommy O'Haver and Irene Turner

Main Cast

Kevin Bacon as Bradley Westerman
Eric Thal as Joe
Ellen Page as Lauren Westerman

Tagline: "Before embarking on a path of revenge, first dig two graves"

Synopsis: Single father Bradley Westerman (Bacon) has just picked up his daughter, Lauren (Page), from school. On their way to his house, they talk about how things are going. When they get home, they continue their conversation and make dinner. They eat their dinner, they have dessert, and Lauren goes to bed while Bradley stays up
to finish some of his work. But neither of them know what is about to enter their lives.

While Bradley is going to the bathroom, a killer named Joe (Thal), quietly enters the house. Bradley hears this and tries to keep quiet. Joe walks into Lauren's room and shoots one bullet into her bed, hitting her in the stomach. Bradley quickly rushes out of the bathroom, takes Joe's gun, and shoots him in the leg. He tries to call the police and finds out that Joe has cut the phone lines.

What follows is not a game of cat and mouse, but a game of cat and cat. Even though Joe is unable to walk, he is amazingly clever and uses his words wisely. Bradley must treat Lauren for her wounds, and make sure Joe can’t escape. But he cannot watch forever, for Lauren needs medical attention, and without it, she could die. But he cannot leave Lauren with Joe, or take Joe and leave Lauren behind, or vice-versa. Or will Bradley take revenge for Lauren, killing Joe himself?

Taking place in real time, using long, continuous shots, the movie moves along at a slow yet gripping pace. Characters make choices, and take risks. In The Dead of Night is a realistic portrayal of a man on the edge, trying to keep everything together as it’s falling apart.

What the Press would say:

After I saw the movie, I thought of what I would have done in Bradley’s shoes. What I would have done differently, what I wouldn’t have done, etc. And after talking to some of the other audience members at the screening, I found out that everyone had a different approach to what they would’ve done in Bradley’s situation. But even though they said they didn’t think they’d do what Bradley did, it was the right thing for him to do. Never have I seen a movie that sparked such conversations and theories as “In The Dead of Night”. I don’t know if it’s because of the excellent acting from all of it’s three major players, the incredibly mature direction from O’Haver, or his brilliantly crafted script, but one thing’s for sure, it all combined into genius. Kevin Bacon gives a layered, complex performance, one that leaves you shaken. He plays the part of “normal man affected by sudden tragedy” perfectly. Eric Thal could’ve done the conventional “sympathetic” killer approach, but instead, he plays Joe off as a slimy, disgusting man, with no regrets or emotion. And Ellen Page gives a heart-breaking performance as a innocent girl who’s only mistake was keeping the bedroom door open. O’Haver continues his change from comedy to drama with ease, directing the film with tear-rendering visuals and writing the script (along with Irene Turner) with beautiful dialogue and heart-pounding moments. If you’re looking for a blistering thriller mixed with an effective, devastating drama, this is the film for you.

Best Picture
Best Director: Tommy O’Haver
Best Actor: Kevin Bacon
Best Supporting Actor: Eric Thal
Best Supporting Actress: Ellen Page
Best Original Screenplay: Tommy O’Haver and Irene Turner