Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Lots of gore, interesting messages in cop monster movie.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Night Patrol
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In NIGHT PATROL, Xavier Carr (Jermaine Fowler) is a former gang member who's now a proud LAPD officer. He dreams of someday joining the elite "Night Patrol" and is shocked when his partner, Ethan Hawkins (Justin Long), is chosen instead. Meanwhile, Xavier's brother, Wazi (RJ Cyler), lives with their mother, Ayanda (Nicki Micheaux), in the Colonial Courts Housing Project. Ayanda practices Zulu beliefs and uses many charms and tokens to protect herself and her son. But Wazi is having a dangerous affair with a woman from an opposing gang—and, on Ethan's first Night Patrol shift, Ethan shoots and kills her. This sets off a chain reaction of violence, but rather than start a gang war, Wazi goes to Bloods leader Bornelius (Freddie Gibbs) and tries to establish a truce. Meanwhile, Ethan learns the true nature of the night-dwelling Night Patrol ... too late. And at Colonial Courts, Wazi, Ayanda, and Bornelius prepare for a last stand.
Is It Any Good?
This violent horror tale is a bit of a mess, extending itself in multiple directions, but it's ambitious, with enough good ideas, righteous fury, and unholy shocks to make it worth seeing. Co-written and directed by Ryan Prows, Night Patrol weaves a story of monsters and systemic racism that, while not as sophisticated as Ryan Coogler's Sinners, is in the same company. Here, the White monsters view themselves as superior and would never taint their precious blood with anyone of a "lower caste" (i.e., Black folks).
Brothers Wazi and Xavier are an interesting pair of opposites: One wants to join the powerful White organization, and the other embraces his Zulu roots. The movie also has themes of teamwork—as members from rival gangs join forces to fight a greater foe—and explores questions of good and evil (who's to say if someone is a "bad apple" or "one of the good ones"?). As a horror movie, Night Patrol has some surprises and is plenty gory, but it's perhaps stretched a bit too thin to fully deliver on the suspense. It's also confusing at times. But ultimately it's still a movie with an important subtext and a few images you won't soon forget.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Night Patrol's violence. How did it make you feel? Was it exciting? Shocking? What did the movie show or not show to achieve this effect? Why is that important?
Is the movie scary? What's the appeal of horror movies? Why do people sometimes enjoy being scared?
How do characters demonstrate teamwork? Do you consider any of them role models?
How does this movie compare to Sinners? How are vampires used in each film to depict systemic racism and exclusion?
How are drug use and drinking depicted? Are they glamorized? Are there consequences? Why does that matter?
Movie Details
- In theaters : January 16, 2026
- On DVD or streaming : February 10, 2026
- Cast : Jermaine Fowler , Justin Long , RJ Cyler
- Director : Ryan Prows
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Writer(s)
- Studios : RLJE Films , Shudder
- Genre : Horror
- Topics : Activism ( Racial justice ) , Family Stories ( Siblings , Single Parents ) , Fantasy ( Vampires )
- Character Strengths : Teamwork
- Run time : 104 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : strong bloody violence, gore, pervasive language, sexual references, and some drug use
- Last updated : January 26, 2026
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