Night Catches Us

90 minutes

In 1976, after years of mysterious absence, Marcus (Anthony Mackie, "The Hurt Locker") returns to the Philadelphia neighborhood where he came of age in the midst of the Black Power movement. While his arrival raises suspicion among his family and former neighbors, he finds acceptance from his old friend Patricia (Kerry Washington, "Ray," "Lift") and her daughter. However, Marcus quickly finds himself at odds with the organization he once embraced, whose members suspect he orchestrated the slaying of their former comrade-in-arms. In a startling sequence of events, Marcus must protect a secret that could shatter everyone's beliefs as he rediscovers his forbidden passion for Patricia.

78% on the CINEMETER

82% - Nov 21, 2010

So important that we not forget the message that discrimination and racism still are a pervasive part of our culture.
Washington, DC Member

Loved the focus on coming home and LOVED the Q&A with the writer/director! She was terrific, very forthright, practical, informative.
Washington, DC Member

Beautifully crafted, subtle storytelling.
Washington, DC Member

STL

68% - Nov 7, 2010

Anthony Mackie and Kerry Washington should be in the top tier of film actors, both excellent. Music perfect; film almost painterly.
St. Louis Member

Great story that needs to be told. I liked the fact that it is not a feel-good story, everything is unresolved. However, it was too slow.
St. Louis Member

I was riveted by the mid-'70s feel of the film and the grounded acting. I also like the use of original '70s-style soul music.
St. Louis Member

95% - Oct 31, 2010

I really liked that the film didn't take a stand from any single character's perspective but used the drive and curiosity of Iris's character to reveal different truths.
San Francisco Member

Great writing, cinematography, acting, music, period details. Pacing a bit slow. Filled me in on an important bit of history that I'm not so familiar with and its lasting consequences. Nature shots used as transitions a bit too self-conscious.
San Francisco Member

Some holes in the plot, / but the fashions were slick. / Terry cloth tops? / Must be 1976.
San Francisco Member

MIL

70% - Nov 7, 2010

I am glad this film was screened by the Cinema Club because I probably wouldn't have gone to see it. I would have thought of it as a black movie that I would not relate to and I would've been wrong.
Milwaukee Member

Kudos for Tanya Hamilton! I hope this film is fully recognized during the awards next year.
Milwaukee Member

Hard to follow at times.
Milwaukee Member

BOS

75% - Nov 14, 2010

Having lived through this era, this touched me deeply and made me remember a lot about those times.
Boston Member

An excellent story and an excellent evocation of the time period. At times the story and the relationships were difficult to grasp, though they emerged over time. I was struck by the challenge of the period in knowing whom you could trust.
Boston Member

Excellent – subtle – a very FEMALE take on violence, so welcome.
Boston Member

ATL

76% - Nov 21, 2010

Excellent cast and acting. A strong ensemble piece to address overcoming our past to find a way through the present. Great soundtrack by the Roots. Pacing was a little slow.
Atlanta Member

An outstanding film--every aspect was very nuanced. The cinematgoraphy was excellent. I'm sure this audience was very shocked by what they saw. It's one of the many perspectives of history! I look forward to many more films by Tanya Hamilton.
Atlanta Member

It is refreshing to see a black male protagonist whose heroics are based on moral fiber instead of attitude and blazing guns.
Atlanta Member

Magnolia Pictures