The Night Of The Hunter Movie Review (1955)
A visually stunning film about a convict preacher who is hunting for a stash of money left to a robber’s young son, The Night Of The Hunter uses cinematic techniques that make it feel unique for its time.
There aren’t a lot of films that I don’t feel fully equipped to rate. I have lots of observations and opinions and I’m not afraid to share them, but every blue moon, I come across a film that I feel that I can’t assess appropriately enough to give a rating. That’s the edge I’m finding myself balanced on now.
The Night Of The Hunter is a thriller about a bank robber who killed two men over $10,000. Moments before he is arrested, he hides the money and makes his young son, John, and younger daughter, Pearl, swear not to ever tell anyone where it is hidden, including their mom. In jail, his cellmate, a murderous preacher, tries to find out where the money is before the robber is sentenced to death. Upon his release, the preacher goes to town to woo and marry the robber’s widow and try to find the money.
This film is regarded as a classic, and I can see why. Visually, it is absolutely spectacular. The Night Of The Hunter was released in 1955 and is filmed in black and white. The use of layering, lighting, silhouettes, and other cinematic techniques are truly impressive and deserve to be marveled at.
The first half of the movie was very difficult for me personally. The portrayal of women as weak, naïve, and submissive was something I could accept as dated, but it was tough to get close to the story because of it. The widow doesn’t protect or believe her children, and the other women in town insist that these children need a mother and father, even if the father is a random guy who happened into town spouting the bible yesterday. After all, he has HATE and LOVE tattooed on each hand, but he has a biblical reason. Why wouldn’t you marry him?
Somewhere around the halfway point, the strength of the children began to really shine. John protects his sister and, ultimately, they meet someone who can show them what safety and security actually looks like.
The Night Of The Hunter is a very difficult film to talk about past the visual aspects because it feels like that is really where the strength lies. The story feels incredibly dated and, but I also don’t feel that it’s correct to judge a 70 year old film based on 2025 values and expectations. I am giving this film a 4 out of 5 because I feel like anything less is inappropriate as far as the history of film and what it accomplishes.
I strongly believe that this is one of those films that actual filmmakers will dive into headfirst. It is like a moving art gallery in many ways. I have huge respect for what it is and when it was made, but I really only recommend watching it if you enjoy old movies or want to explore the art of how this was created. It’s really not one that you can watch through a modern lens.
Runtime: 92 minutes
Motion Picture Rating: Not Rated
Languages Spoken In The Film: English
Should You Watch It? Yes, but only if you enjoy classic movies or the art of filmmaking
Did I Cry? Nope
My Rating: 4/5
Available: Free on Tubi or PlutoTV, to rent on Prime Video, or may be available for free on other streaming platforms
