Nightcrawler is not quite a horror movie. However,  in the role of Lou Bloom, an L.A. Crime Journalist, Jake Gyllenhaal has never been more gaunt and terrifying.

It’s not just his deep, dark and sunken eyes that might give you nightmares. The audience learns rather quickly that not only is Lou smarter than the average person, he’s also, definitely a sociopath.

The tensions in this great work, written/directed by Dan Gilroy exist because the audience realises rather quickly that Lou is a little more than just a tad unhinged – which of course, can only mean bad things for all who establish any kind of relationship with him.

Gilroy’s film is good and it’s dark, both thematically and aesthetically. There’s also some brilliant dialogue here. My favourite moment is Lou’s parting line in one of his last exchanges with Bill Paxton’s character.

Besides Gyllenhaal, Rene Russo and Ashton’s great work, the character of Rick is a brilliant turn for British Actor Riz Ahmed.

Overall, Nightcrawler does a good job of highlighting some of the issues with the world we live in today, plus the characters it can produce, plus the danger that can exist in the vulnerability of the truly desperate.

Watch it and cement your appreciation of Gyllenhaal’s skills.

Happy Film Loving,

G