The Night Clerk

Movie Trailer

Release Date
February 21, 2020

Genre
Crime, Drama, Thriller

Cast & Crew

• Tye Sheridan as Bart Bromley
• Ana de Armas as Andrea Rivera
• Helen Hunt as Ethel Bromley
• John Leguizamo as Detective Espada
• Johnathon Schaech as Nick Perretti
• Jacque Gray as Karen Perretti

Director
Michael Cristofer

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Original Sin (2001)
• Body Shots (1999)

Producer

• David M. Wulf
• Arianne Fraser
• Cindy Bru
• Michael Cristofer

Writer

• Michael Cristofer

Budget
Estimated at $7 million

Production Company

• Highland Film Group
• Saban Films
• Convergent Media

Running Time
90 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Violence
• Strong language
• Sexual content
• Nudity

Movie Story
“The Night Clerk” is a psychological crime thriller that follows Bart Bromley (Tye Sheridan), a young man with Asperger’s syndrome who works as a night clerk at a small hotel. Due to his condition, Bart struggles with social interactions but is highly intelligent and has developed a unique coping mechanism: he secretly installs cameras in the hotel rooms to observe and learn from the guests’ behavior.

One night, Bart becomes a witness to a murder in one of the hotel rooms through his hidden cameras. Fearing that his surveillance activities might make him the prime suspect, Bart tries to cover his tracks while also grappling with the moral implications of his actions. As the investigation unfolds, led by Detective Espada (John Leguizamo), Bart becomes increasingly entangled in the mystery.

The situation becomes even more complicated when Bart befriends a beautiful and mysterious guest, Andrea Rivera (Ana de Armas). Their relationship grows as Bart becomes infatuated with Andrea, but he soon realizes that she might be involved in the crime, putting him in a dangerous position. As Bart tries to protect Andrea while staying out of the spotlight, he must confront his own fears and limitations, leading to a tense and suspenseful conclusion.

“The Night Clerk” explores themes of loneliness, voyeurism, and the struggle for human connection, with Bart’s unique perspective adding depth to the narrative. The film delves into the psychological aspects of its characters, particularly Bart’s internal world, where his intelligence and curiosity clash with his social difficulties.

Special Effects
The film’s use of technology, particularly Bart’s hidden cameras, plays a crucial role in the storytelling. The cinematography effectively captures the sense of isolation and tension, with the hotel setting providing a claustrophobic backdrop for the unfolding mystery. The use of surveillance footage and the interplay between observed and real-life interactions add a layer of complexity to the visual narrative, enhancing the film’s suspense.

Box Office Performance
“The Night Clerk” was released in a limited theatrical run and simultaneously on video-on-demand platforms. The film received mixed reviews from critics, who praised Tye Sheridan’s performance but were divided on the film’s pacing and plot development. Despite this, the film found an audience on streaming platforms, where viewers were drawn to its intriguing premise and strong lead performances.

Filming Locations

• Salt Lake City, Utah, USA

Notable Quotes

• “People are just so complicated. They say things they don’t mean. They act in ways that are completely confusing.” – Bart Bromley
• “You’ve been watching me, haven’t you?” – Andrea Rivera

Behind-the-Scenes
Tye Sheridan’s portrayal of Bart required him to carefully study and understand Asperger’s syndrome, working to accurately depict the character’s social challenges and unique way of processing the world. The film’s director, Michael Cristofer, sought to create a tense atmosphere that would reflect Bart’s internal struggles, using the hotel’s confined spaces and surveillance technology to mirror the character’s sense of entrapment and isolation.

Awards

• None, though Tye Sheridan’s performance was highlighted in reviews as a standout aspect of the film.

Final Verdict
“The Night Clerk” is a compelling psychological thriller that offers a unique perspective through the eyes of its socially awkward protagonist. While the film’s pacing may be slow for some, Tye Sheridan’s nuanced performance as Bart Bromley elevates the story, making it a worthwhile watch for fans of character-driven mysteries. The film successfully blends elements of crime and drama with a thoughtful exploration of human connection and the complexities of living with Asperger’s syndrome.

IMDb Rating
5.5/10