Definitely Not a Date movie.

Rating: 7/10 (17 November 2014)

Unless your date is Aileen Wuornos. Finally, a film that creeps you out with its failing-as-a-human main character. Saying this is a modern day "Taxi Driver" is not over reaching, though it lacks the extraordinary photography and musical score of that great film. While there is violence and gore, what is refreshing is none of it feels the least bit gratuitous. Nor is it the ultimate creep factor. Mr. Jake Gyllenhaal's performance is actually what kept me, literally, on the edge of my seat. Was Jake Gyllenhaal in every scene or did it just feel that way? His character is a monster—the kind of mad fiend who succeeds in today's society.
There are many implausibilities, things glossed over, and holes in plot and development. However, the premise and underlying tone, as delivered by Jake Gyllenhaal and his supportive cast, never falters or fails to stay glued to its sick and twisted point. Sadly, dark sardonic comedy is such a lost art in cinema that I found myself to be the only one laughing in the theater on a Saturday night.
Look for Mr. Gyllenhaal to excel in lesser awards shows for this performance. The academy could nominate—it's the right release date to be taken seriously. But he will not get Oscar. Not for his lack, but the director is just too green filling out all the little things that would have raised up "Nightcrawler" from my-goodness to Greatness. No offense to Mr. Gilroy. As a directorial debut, from his own script, I am quite eager to see more. Perhaps he was one DP and one composer, plus a few glitches in the third act short of a home run.