By: Amanda Guarragi
By Night’s End is a crime thriller, centered around a husband and wife, who are struggling financially after suffering a death in the family. The tension between them, unfolds in an unprecedented way, as they discuss their issues, all while trying to survive an unexpected evening. The film slowly builds into the final action sequence and it is definitely worth it.
Director Walker Whited created an atmosphere surrounding the house that Heather (Michelle Rose) and Mark (Kurt Yeu) lived in. From the front, the house appeared smaller, quaint, isolated but the backyard was vast and seemed like it went on forever. The sense of impending doom seemed to grow, as Heather’s mood became worse and the night took a turn for the worst.
Michelle Rose as Heather
What was very interesting was the dynamic between Heather and Mark. It’s almost as if they should not mesh well together as a couple because they are polar opposites, yet their relationship also worked. You could feel their resentment towards each other when they were arguing but then Mark’s softness, would break Heather’s tough exterior. It was great to watch their relationship unfold and learn more about who they were and how they got to this point in their lives.
By Night’s End has great lighting, camerawork and great fight choreography. It tests the couple to the maximum, as their relationship is put to the ultimate test, in trusting the other person. It discusses post traumatic stress disorder, grief, loss and survival, while having a couple navigate their way through a break in. It has great pacing, shocking moments and the score tied everything together nicely.
Candid Cinema 