A good, dramatic film, even if not entirely enjoyable to watch

Rating: 7/10 (2 January 2018)

'Nightcrawler' is unfortunately not a standalone film of the X-Men's cheeky elf character, but rather a dark exposition of modern news and the public's (apparent) bloodlust. The film has a simple premise - Bloom (Gyllenhaal) and his partner, Rick (Ahmed) listen to the police scanner and try to show up at accidents to film the gory aftermath before the cops can stop them or before they're beaten to the scene by other competitors. They're literally trawling the night for news-worthy footage. That this 'needs' to be "bloody", as Bloom clarifies with Nina (Russo) at the news station is either an indictment on TV news stations/shows, or the public in general - or possibly a bit of both.
Gyllenhaal is very captivating as the main star, being in basically every scene and using his huge eyes - and gross mini-ponytail - to creep you out. You don't hate him, but start to fully comprehend what a psychopath he is as the film progresses. Sure, he doesn't kill anyone himself, but he certainly does some despicable things and has no remorse and you start to truly despise him - which proves how good he's acting!
Ahmed, Russo & Paxton are good in small, but significant roles. The soundtrack is solid and the cinematography of Los Angeles make sit actually look hospitable and attractive for a change - not as gritty as I would've expected in a movie of this tone. Good ending to the film, if a disappointing one to watch.