Night Must Fall: A creepy handyman story that sticks with you

Is it worth your time?

If you like movies that move at a snail's pace just to make you feel uncomfortable, sure. Go for it. But if you need a body count or a fast chase scene, stay away. This is for people who enjoy watching a slow-motion car crash of a human personality.

Robert Montgomery is the main reason to watch this. He plays Danny, the handyman, with this weird, twitchy energy. It’s like he’s performing for the camera even when nobody is looking. It’s unsettling. Really unsettling.

The house feels too quiet.

There’s a specific scene where he’s just sitting there talking, and the camera lingers on his face for way too long. I found myself checking my phone, not because I was bored, but because I didn't want to look at him anymore. That’s a compliment to the acting, I guess? Or maybe it’s just bad pacing.

Dame May Whitty plays the old dowager, and she is exactly as cantankerous as you’d expect. She treats everyone like they’re an annoyance, which makes the whole dynamic even weirder when Danny shows up. She’s like a moth to a flame, but the moth is eighty years old and the flame is a total creep.

• The hatbox. Don't ask me about the hatbox.
• The lighting in the hallway makes everything look slightly dusty.
• Rosalind Russell looks like she’s about to explode from frustration for the entire runtime.

I’ve seen plenty of old thrillers, like The Woman of Mystery, which have their own charm, but this one feels... heavy. It doesn't have the light touch of a classic whodunnit. It feels more like a therapy session gone wrong.

There is this moment where Danny starts whistling. It’s not a catchy tune. It’s one of those things that gets under your skin and stays there. I ended up muting the TV for a minute just to get away from it. 🎵

Is it a masterpiece? Probably not. Is it a movie that feels like it was made by people who understood how to make an audience sweat without showing a drop of blood? Absolutely. It’s messy, it’s a bit too long, and it definitely feels like it’s hiding something from you. Just like Danny.

It’s not for everyone. If you’re looking for high-octane drama, you’ll be snoring by the halfway point. But if you like watching a slow breakdown? Give it a go.