Night Patrol is a difficult movie to summarize. It sounds simple enough. The gang task force of the Los Angeles Police Department is known for the work they do. Going by the titular name, they have wreaked havoc for years. They are now on the hunt for Wazi Carr (RJ Cyler, Emergency), a young Crip. In order to catch him, they must contend with ancient magic, the residents of the projects, and each other.
Phil Brooks (WWE’s CM Punk) does a great job as Deputy. The leader of the Night Patrol is a frightening and intimidating presence. Brooks commands every scene he is in. Jermaine Fowler (2026’s Faces of Death) and Carr are fantastic as the two brothers who are on opposite sides. You may not agree with all of their choices, but it is hard not to feel for them.
Night Patrol moves at a frantic pace. Split into chapters, things get off to a fast start during the cold open. Things slow down a bit once the movie starts, but it never feels like it is spinning its wheels. Everything that happens means something. From motivations to development, the story is always moving forward.
It is unfortunate that it always does not make sense. This is a classic case of too much of a good thing. There is lots of blood, demons, vampires, shapeshifting, and magic. Night Patrol also introduces topical themes like police brutality, race relations, the cycle of violence, and trying to escape your past. In other words, there is a lot going on.
Due to its chaotic nature, Night Patrol is consistently fun. (The finale includes a mid-air battle between a Green Lantern-esque hero and a demon whose face splits open.) The problem is that nothing is ever explained to a satisfying degree. This may be due to having four writers; or it could be director Ryan Prows (V/H/S 94) felt the fast-paced action would do the heavy lifting. The end result is an exciting, but confusing, watch.
Night Patrol premieres on Shudder April 17.
