Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Violent but thoughtful thriller about the state of media.
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Nightcrawler
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 10 parent reviews
Based on 35 kid reviews
Kids say this film is a gripping and dark thriller, praised for its superb acting and intense storyline, particularly highlighting the main character's sociopathic nature. While some reviewers mention graphic violence and strong language, many believe it is appropriate for mature teens, as long as they can handle its disturbing themes and critique of the media.
- suspenseful storyline
- graphic violence
- strong language
- mature themes
- intense performance
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
A driven and determined outcast, Louis Bloom (Jake Gyllenhaal) makes his living stealing and selling scrap metal. But when he sees a "nightcrawler" (Bill Paxton) -- i.e. a freelance cameraman in search of news footage -- in action, he decides that it's the life for him. Using knowledge gleaned from the Internet and his salesman skills, he manages to sell some footage to a struggling Los Angeles TV news program run by Nina Romina (Rene Russo), who desperately needs it. As Louis' business grows, he takes on an assistant, Rick (Riz Ahmed), and begins to realize that, rather than simply waiting for it, he can lend a slight assist in actually making the news happen.
Is It Any Good?
The brother of filmmaker Tony Gilroy (Michael Clayton), screenwriter Dan Gilroy (Real Steel, The Bourne Legacy) makes a dynamic directorial debut with NIGHTCRAWLER. He takes on the cutthroat world of TV news -- which today seems more concerned with spectacle and ratings ("if it bleeds, it leads") than with actual information -- in a way that's startling and not at all angry or preachy. It's a high-speed nocturnal movie, preoccupied with cars and streets, lights and cameras.
Gyllenhaal is a big reason for the movie's electrifying mood. He's gaunt and strange, but intense -- like a hypodermic needle. His eyes stick out of his skull, gleaming like daggers, unwilling to retract until a point is made. You're uncertain just how a creature like this came to be, but it's fascinating watching him work. When he sees the fake cityscape backdrop behind the TV news anchors' desk, he remarks, "it seems so real on TV." But it's all showbiz.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Nightcrawler's violence. How is it used to tell the story? Is any of it gratuitous? Does it feel thrilling or shocking?
What does Louis' job entail? Is he a journalist? Is he reporting actual news? Why would people need or want to see his footage? Does he cross the line? When/where/how?
What does the movie have to say about media in general?
What is Louis really like? Is he scary? Friendly? Fascinating? Are we drawn to him or repelled by him? Or both?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 31, 2014
- On DVD or streaming : February 10, 2015
- Cast : Jake Gyllenhaal , Rene Russo , Riz Ahmed
- Director : Dan Gilroy
- Studio : Open Road Films
- Genre : Thriller
- Run time : 117 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : violence including graphic images, and for language
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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