The Night Clerk

The Night Clerk is a thrilling 2020 drama and crime film that masterfully weaves a tale of suspense, intrigue, voyeurism, and unexpected human connection. It stars Tye Sheridan in the leading role, as well as Ana de Armas and Helen Hunt providing impactful and powerful supporting roles.

Tye Sheridan plays Bart Bromley, an incredibly intelligent and detail-oriented young night clerk who isn't quite like everyone else. Bart is on the autism spectrum, and his peculiar social interactions and profound understanding of minute details are perceptibly influenced by this. While his insights make him exceptionally adept at remembering and cataloging information, they also feed into his isolation from the world around him.

In an attempt to better understand how to interact with people, he installs several hidden cameras in one of the hotel rooms, using the unsuspecting guests as his personal social interaction study. As Bart observes the happenings in the motel from his hidden cameras, he develops an understanding of societal norms which he then practices in front of the mirror.

However, his routine changes dramatically when he inadvertently witnesses a murder in his live video feeds. Unable to explain the video footage without revealing his voyeuristic activities, Bart finds himself becoming the prime suspect. Sheridan delivers a brilliant portrayal of Bart’s internal struggle, caught between his desire to help solve the murder and the perilous reality of his own actions.

Meanwhile, the captivating Ana de Armas stars as the beautiful and alluring Andrea Rivera. A romantic interest for Bart, she checks into the hotel post-murder, introducing an element of romance and further complicating Bart's current predicament. Her character holds multiple layers of intrigue, adding a depth of mystery to the storyline that further ensnares the audience’s attention.

Helen Hunt takes on the role of Bart's mother, Ethel Bromley. She struggles to understand Bart, and while she loves him, she finds it hard to break through to him. Hunt’s portrayal of a mother caught between her instincts to protect her son and the need for him to learn independence gives the audience a broader perspective of Bart's world outside the motel.

The film skillfully addresses themes of guilt, innocence, ambiguity, and the blurred line between right and wrong. Throughout the movie, the characters are set up in a complex web of relationships that interact and evolve, taking the audience along on a thrilling rollercoaster of anticipation and fear. The line between villain and hero is blurred, with Bart's character embodying the complexities of human morality and raising questions about privacy, surveillance, and consent in the modern world.

Director Michael Cristofer, known for his nuanced storytelling, once again showcases his ability to create an intricate narrative. The character development, combined with the tense atmosphere, serves quite well to present a suspenseful and riveting crime drama.

The cinematography deserves a special mention, using eerie lighting and offbeat camera angles to enhance the suspense and mystery surrounding Bart's actions. Filmed mostly in a hotel's closed spaces, the claustrophobic settings and the use of muted colour palettes perfectly capture the psychological themes running throughout the movie.

The Night Clerk is an engrossing film primarily due to its cast's exemplary performances. Tye Sheridan's portrayal of a young man with autism is accurately nuanced and empathetic, which holds the viewer’s attention. Ana de Armas and Helen Hunt give impressive performances, keeping the audiences glued to the screen.

Through the movie, the viewers are kept guessing about Bart's innocence and experience a myriad of contrasting emotions. The film ends on a rather unexpected note, which leaves the audience with many intriguing questions.

In summation, The Night Clerk is a compelling suspense mystery that evokes strong feelings of empathy, tension, and intrigue. It's a psychological delve into the human mind, exploring moral boundaries and societal norms, inviting its viewers to ponder long after the credits roll.