Still of the Night

Still of the Night (1982), directed by Robert Benton, is a stylish, haunting, and enigmatic psychological thriller that takes the audience on a complex journey of mysteries and psychological vulnerability. The film, set in New York, stands out in Meryl Streep's filmography as one of her early successful roles and delivers a chilling portrait of suspense and deception.

The film features respected actor Roy Scheider, who plays the character of Dr. Sam Rice, a staid, reputable New York City psychologist. Scheider delivers a fine, earnest performance in this chilling narrative, perfectly capturing the vulnerability and internal conflict of his character. He endears himself to the audience with his resilience when confronted with the twisting nuances of human psychology.

On the other side of the dynamics, we have Meryl Streep as Brooke Reynolds, a seemingly innocent yet secretive woman. Streep, known for her remarkable acting skills and emotional depth, truly shines in this role. Her performance provides the backbone to the film's brooding atmosphere, her character an elusive enigma at the heart of the suspense.

Jessica Tandy stars as Grace Rice, Dr. Rice's mother. She displays a calm demeanor and steady strength throughout the film, offering a sober yet supportive role that balances the intense performances by Scheider and Streep.

The story opens with the murder of George Bynum (Josef Sommer), a troubled patient of Dr. Rice. In the midst of the investigation, Dr. Rice is introduced to his patient's seductive mistress, Brooke, who has a mysterious reticence and a demeanor that suggests she may know more about George's death than she reveals. The unexpected death of George puts Dr. Rice uncomfortably close to a murder investigation, increasingly beguiling him into the clouded realm of double entendre and treacherous romance.

The juxtaposition of the two worlds of Still of the Night – the coolly clinical and the uncontrolled emotional – creates an ominous and captivating dichotomy that continues throughout the film. As Dr. Rice gets deeper into the investigation and his relationship with Brooke evolves, the film delves into examining baser human instincts, the psychology of guilt, and blurred boundaries between professional ethics and personal emotions.

The fantastic chemistry between Scheider and Streep brings life to this character-driven mystery. Their complex relationship drives the plot, keeps the audience engrossed, and sells the tension very convincingly. Communication often happens non-verbally, creating mood and atmosphere more than anything else, and subtly building suspense.

Still of the Night embraces the stylistic touches of classic film noir, with the use of darkness, shadows, and half-light adding to the menacing and uncertain atmosphere. Benton employs a chilling atmosphere and dream-like sequences to underpin the narrative. In true psychological thriller style, the movie is more focused on establishing an eerie atmosphere rather than relying on physical horror or violence. Benton's effective use of dream sequences emphasizes the character's subconscious fear and underlying tension remarkably well.

Nestor Alemendros' cinematography is fantastic, with bleak, shadowy visuals that enhance the film's somber tone. Benton along with his talented team of designers and technicians transforms New York City into a spooky, suspenseful, and riveting neo-noir setting where nothing is what it seems.

The haunting score by John Kander adds to the suspenseful ambiance and the detailed set design and costumes firmly place the film in its early 80s backdrop. Despite its time of release, Still of the Night is not stuck in one era. It dances between vintage Hollywood and modern thrillers seamlessly and remains fresh and exciting even today.

Through the terrific performances from the star-studded cast, unforgettable atmospheric design, and a nail-biting plot, Still of the Night offers a thrilling cinematic experience in psychological suspense. It’s a true display of masterful storytelling and phenomenal acting. It's a must-see for fans of thrillers and those seeking to explore the entire range of Meryl Streep's exceptional talents.