A well-acted and compelling drama Beyond the Night delves into the possibilities of reincarnation with a story surrounding a murder. The direction by writer Jason Noto is a bit problematic and the story a little offbeat, especially in the resolution of the crime. But, in the end it’s still worth watching.
U.S. Marine Ray Morrow (Zane Holtz) gets a leave of absence from his duty in Syria when he gets word his wife was killed and son Lawrence (Azhy Robertson) hurt in an auto accident. He wants to return to his hometown for the funeral, a place Lawrence has never been. At the church funeral burial administered by Pastor Hirsch (Neal Huff) Lawrence (Azhy Robertson) acts up embarrassing Ray. Thinking he just can’t stay still, Ray sternly reprimands Lawrence and they leave the cemetery. At the home reception for those attending the funeral, Ray reconnects with his sister Caroline (Tammy Blanchard) who feels Lawrence just needs more special attention.
Just before leaving the reception, Norma Coleman (Peggy J. Scott) comes over to meet Lawrence and before she can say anything he greets her by her name and identifies her as July Rain’s nanna, referencing her granddaughter who went missing. Taken aback at what the boy said and knows, Norma leaves in a huff followed by the other Coleman’s attending. The scene has Ray upset and he starts to seek answers from Pastor Hirsch. In a diner he meets face to face with Bernie Coleman (Chance Kelly), the father of July, who asks for answers as to why Lawrence even knew about his daughter.
Director Noto keeps the mystery going while Lawrence adjusts to his new surroundings and his extended family. I do like the way he keeps his audience on their toes wondering why the boy knows so much and how the Coleman’s frightening attitude creates an air of violence against Ray. Noto interjects different clues, but really doesn’t give anything away until there’s not much more to tell. It’s at that point he feels that he must make a directing move of reveal, but shows his hand too quickly. It’s sort of a letdown, but slipup the audience should be able to live with considering the number of clues that have been given early on.
The acting is the key to making the film work, especially since it’s a mystery that has at least a few possibilities on who’s the perpetrator of the missing girl. Holding the whole movie together are the roles of Ray, the father of Lawrence, his sister Caroline who is a Sheriff Deputy, and the sketchy Bernie Coleman the girl’s father who flies of the handle a lot, and then there’s Sherriff Hirsch who wants to keep everything quiet, and a couple of other possibilities. Each of the actors here does a very good job of portraying their characters to the final curtain.
But the best performance comes from young Azhy Robertson as Lawrence the boy who seems to know a lot about the disappearance of the girl. He does a good job of being shy when others look at his strange facial birthmark, yet loving with his newly introduced relatives. His character has to be cautious on what he says since his dad doesn’t believe him, coy when he has to evade questions from some of the callous aggressors, act hurt when youngsters make comments about his affliction, and several other emotions including fear. He handles his character exceptionally well and makes the film work.
Beyond the Night has not been rated by the MPAA, but contains violence, language throughout, smoking, and some peril. Check your local listings for a theater near you.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A nice mystery with some very good acting. (3.5 out of 5 Stars)
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Tammy Blanchard, Zane Holtz, Azhy Robertson, Caitlin Mehner, Chance Kelly, David Fierro
Directed and written by: Jason Noto
Genre: Drama, Mystery, Thriller
MPAA Rating: Not Rated, contains language, violence, brutality and some peril
Running Time: 1 hr. 38 min.
Opening Date: January 11, 2019
Distributed by: Breaking Glass Pictures
Released in: Standard
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
