The Night Visitor

The Night Visitor is a thriller, part horror-part crime story, released in 1971. The film is directed by Laslo Benedek and manages to create a chilling and riveting narrative from start to finish, gathering a dedicated cult following despite being relatively unknown. It stars legendary actors such as Max von Sydow, Trevor Howard, and Liv Ullmann, whose performances elevate the intricate plot and masterful direction.

Max von Sydow plays the leading role of Salem, an inmate incarcerated in an isolated, high-security asylum. He's serving his sentence following the accusation and conviction of a brutal murder. Salem is a former farmhand who was charged with allegedly killing his wealthy and haughty landowner. However, the case isn't as clear cut as it might initially seem. Sydow brings an intensity to the character, engaging us in Salem's predicament and making us question the true nature of his guilt.

Liv Ullmann portrays Salem's former lover, Ester, who is entangled intimately in the tale's twisted scenario. Ester is in an unhappy marriage with Salem's brother Anton, underlining the depth of Salem's personal and emotional torment, which spirals into an intense psychological thriller. Ullmann, with her undeniable talent, gives Ester a sense of vulnerability and desperation that contrasts sharply with her outward appearance as a privileged and pampered housewife.

Trevor Howard appears as the police inspector, who is convinced of Salem's guilt yet becomes embroiled in the complex web woven by the plot. His dogged determination to establish the truth forms the central crux of the law enforcement perspective in the storyline.

The title, "The Night Visitor", refers to the eerily uncanny ability that Salem allegedly possesses — to escape from his cell during the frigid Scandinavian winter nights and return unscathed, without leaving any trace of his secret journeys to exact his revenge. These events lead to a series of eerie happenings around the asylum and the lands of the farm around it, puzzling the authorities, and terrorizing the locals.

The Night Visitor's atmosphere is chilling, set amidst the cold norther scenario, making it a unique hybrid of a thriller in a snowy landscape. The plot skillfully combines elements of mystery, suspense, psychological thriller, and even slight notes of horror into a thrilling cinematic experience.

The narrative is paced perfectly throughout the film. “The Night Visitor” begins as a character study before descending into the realms of a crime-solving thriller without compromising the character depth. This intelligent storytelling magisterially combines the taut pacing of a thriller with the careful character development traditionally associated with drama.

Laslo Benedek's direction and Henning Kristiansen's cinematography provide an engaging visual experience. The eerie camera angles, the unsettling use of shadows and light, the claustrophobic settings, all come together to create a sense of palpable tension and menace, keeping the viewers at the edge of their seats.

The movie's haunting score, composed by Henry Mancini, further heightens the stressful atmosphere, making it an integral part of the storytelling. It’s a suspenseful and thrilling film that leaves the audience contemplating the boundaries of psychological torment and the lengths one can go to seek justice or rather, revenge.

"The Night Visitor" is an atmospheric thriller, mixing elements of mystery, horror, and crime dramas. It is a fine specimen of early 70s cinema and thriller genre that suspense lovers, fright fans, and mystery enthusiasts alike would enjoy. The movie provides an adrenaline-fueled viewing experience thanks to its intense plot, captivating performances, and the skillful direction that keeps you guessing. Despite not being a mainstream hit, The Night Visitor, with its gripping plot, remains a classic thriller that truly stands the test of time.