This feature-debut from Nathalie Biancheri tells the story of Pete, a 33-year-old painter-decorator, who forms a bond with 16-year-old Laurie, all the while harbouring a big secret from her. Pete and Laurie regularly meet up at night, drinking while skulking the streets of the miserable, unnamed seaside town in which they live, as their friendship becomes more and more complicated.

Nocturnal is a wonderfully old-fashioned drama about two lonely people who find solace in one another. Pete and Laurie are both unhappy, but the comfort they find in each other’s company begins to become something they rely on, perhaps a little too much. It’s a film that poses questions; i.e. at what point should Pete spill his secret, and when does it become too late to say anything at all?

This question is an interesting one, and one that will likely bring about discussion, but it’s sadly a little implausible that Pete would keep this to himself for as long as he does. 

It makes sense at first, but as the two characters grow closer and Laurie makes it fairly obvious what she wants out of the relationship, it becomes far more difficult to buy into the fact that Pete wouldn’t just tell all. It’s a hand that Biancheri plays for a little too long, gradually becoming a little more ridiculous than interesting. 

The film works for the most part, though, in large part thanks to its two terrific central performances. Cosmo Jarvis, who impressed greatly in Lady Macbeth, is a towering figure of masculinity, whose nervousness and instability is present in every expression, while Lauren Coe’s portrayal is every bit as alluring as it needs to be for their connection to work. The pair shares excellent chemistry, carrying the film virtually on their own shoulders, and bringing to life characters that feel particularly naturalistic. 

Biancheri’s Nocturnal is visually impressive, with late night shots of city lights and miserable scenery bringing to life the idea that this is a town people can’t wait to escape from; a town with no real hope for the future. It’s almost surrealist at times, counteracting the very human story in a way that makes the viewer even less comfortable with Pete’s situation, and feels both intentional and necessary. It’s creative direction for such a low-key story, and is to be commended. 

Nocturnal is a flawed but engaging kitchen-sink drama; one with interesting themes at play and questions being asked. Brought to life by strong performances from its two leads and imaginative filmmaking from Biancheri, the film escapes its frustrating premise to remain a mostly thought-provoking and memorable picture. 

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