★ 7 / 10
a psychological acid trip of a movie
henrywatersstudio
The Hollywood reporter wrote "Caleb Landry Jones headlines 'To the Night,' a psychological acid trip of a movie directed by Austrian filmmaker Peter Brunner…
The Hollywood reporter wrote "Caleb Landry Jones headlines 'To the Night,' a psychological acid trip of a movie directed by Austrian filmmaker Peter Brunner ('Those Who Fall Have Wings'). "I don't get why some critics pick on the rich kid topic since the whole film feels more like a metaphor for th ecrative process than a depiction of a social realism.In one scene, Norman aims his car at his parents' home and does an intense burnout, with the implication that at any moment he could take his foot off the brake and end it all. The movie builds tension in a similar way-Norman gets worked up more and more until he explodes, with the emotional shrapnel hitting whoever is closest. He admits to Penelope that despite his best efforts to maintain mental stability, "I can't get used to the way I'm supposed to be."As much as Norman's behaviors should have everyone running in the opposite direction, he is a study in how we try to care for loved ones with dangerous mental health problems. He is selfish, cruel, abusive, and destructive, but he's also a nuanced person who is cared about by his friends and family, and that creates an authenticity that binds the story together.Technically, the film is professional and aesthetically pleasing. Fire colored lighting, specifically red hues, are prominent throughout. The sets are stripped down and full of Norman's art, creating a canvas for the unrestrained displays of emotion. The shot scale and composition is varied, but extreme close-ups are used so often that it verges on emotional manipulation.The film is mostly well-acted, with an exceptional performance by Caleb Landry Jones. Overall, TO THE NIGHT is a portrait of the agony of mental illness, experienced not only by Norman but by everyone around him. Resisting the opportunity to be exploitative, TO THE NIGHT paints a harrowing portrait of raw, realistic human pain.
★ 10 / 10
nightmarish hellhole of love
tania-03459
A prolonged panic attack, a man haunted by his own demons being expected to be the main protector for everyone in his life. A nightmarish hellhole that I'm…
A prolonged panic attack, a man haunted by his own demons being expected to be the main protector for everyone in his life. A nightmarish hellhole that I'm going to take a long break from before I visit, but revisit I must. A fantastic performance from Caleb Landry Jones who at this point must be the most hardworking actor in the world. Won't be for everyone, but it's certainly for me.
★ 9 / 10
Norman and his ghosts
adrianwalzer
The contemplative tone of To the Night is particularly interesting.The director Peter Brunner has the great ability to stage a complex inner torment that is…
The contemplative tone of To the Night is particularly interesting.The director Peter Brunner has the great ability to stage a complex inner torment that is not easy to analyze in a very personal and honest way.The inner conflict of the young Norman (a very good Caleb Landry Jones) is staged here. The man recently became a father and is in danger of destroying everything he loves. The reason for this is a serious childhood trauma: his parents died in a fire that he himself unintentionally caused.Light and many, many shadows are the protagonists in Norman's life. The images are created with the help of fine plays of light. The protagonist's life almost always takes place at night, in public places or in his workshop, where he usually creates unique works of art. The only person who accompanies him in his moments of crisis is his brother. He, too, who has neither work nor an apartment, is severely traumatized due to past events.In To the Night, Norman's inner conflict is staged by Brunner through close-ups and details. Everything is recorded with a shoulder camera. Prematurely wrinkled faces, slowly inhaled cigarettes, needles piercing the skin, and glances at New York City (a silent spectator of the protagonist's drama) are omnipresent in To the Night. Everything takes place here in darkness or semi-darkness.The only moments we see faint but blinding sunlight are when Norman is playing with his son, when he meets with his lover Luna, and when he finally decides to change his life.To the Night is an intense and claustrophobic film that is reminiscent of a stream of consciousness. A constant dialogue between Norman and his ghosts of the past, which is only interrupted when his fiancée suffers from the situation and takes care of her newborn son.In a very personal and honest way, Peter Brunner succeeded in staging an inner conflict that is complex and not at all easy to analyze. And if the feature film seems to be almost repetitive in some moments, the situation changes immediately.Peter Brunner's talent seems to promise us many more surprises in the future. And Ulrich Seidl noticed that too.
80%
AUDIENCE
5.4/10
523
