REVIEW: “Night Patrol” (2026)

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Don’t mistake this “Night Patrol” for the 1984 comedy – which was very similar to “Police Academy” but came out around the same time. This film is something else entirely, a unique movie that doesn’t fit neatly into any one genre. It’s like the filmmakers combined lots of different styles and ideas, and the result is this surprising and unpredictable “Night Patrol.” No matter how you try to define it, it’s sure to keep you guessing.

Ryan Prows’ film, “Night Patrol,” is a wild ride that blends supernatural horror with dark humor and social issues. The story, penned by Prows, Shaye Ogbonna, Tim Cairo, and Jake Gibson, tackles heavy themes like police corruption, racial injustice, and family struggles, all while delivering plenty of over-the-top gore and violence.

The film opens with Wazi Carr (RJ Cyler) injured and being questioned at the LAPD. Through Wazi’s account of what happened, the story unfolds in a unique and energetic way. The movie features a lively cast of characters, including cops, gang members, family, and people from the neighborhood.

Wazi’s older brother, Xavier (Jermaine Fowler), is a police officer in Los Angeles with big career goals, which frustrates his family. He’s envious of his partner, Ethan (Justin Long), who’s been asked to join Night Patrol, a special and highly selective anti-gang unit within the police department. Details about Night Patrol are scarce, but it’s clear they have a lot of power… and they’re secretly vampires.

Don’t worry about the previous sentence giving too much away – the Night Patrol’s identity is revealed quickly. The real mystery lies in what they’re trying to achieve. The story follows Ethan’s introduction to the Night Patrol, throwing us into their strange, dark, and often wild world. Leading the operations is Deputy (played by Phil Brooks, also known as CM Punk), a hardened police officer who answers to the enigmatic leader known only as “Sarge” (Dermot Mulroney). And things only get more chaotic and violent from there.

The situation quickly escalates when Wazi sees his potential girlfriend, Primo, violently killed by the Night Patrol. This attracts the attention of two competing gangs, both local groups connected to the Bloods and the Crips. The Bloods, led by Bornelius, are comically obsessed with the supernatural, constantly looking for demons, shapeshifters, and even lizard people. The Crips are led by Wazi and Xavier’s mother, Ayanda, a Zulu mystic who seems to have hidden knowledge about what’s happening.

The story builds to a final, explosive confrontation at the Colonial Courts housing project, where long-held secrets come to light, unexpected partnerships emerge, and a lot of violence erupts. The journey to get there isn’t always smooth, but it’s consistently entertaining, no matter how wild things become. The film has a raw, realistic look thanks to Prows’ gritty visual style, and using practical effects instead of CGI really enhances the experience.

“Night Patrol” explores a wide range of themes, and for the most part, does so effectively. The film is filled with metaphors, though some start strong but become less impactful, and others feel a bit too obvious. However, the movie is clearly made with a sense of fun and self-awareness. The director’s passion for different genres shines through, creating an energetic and original film that truly stands out.

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2026-01-14 19:57