When you make a movie involving a subject so often done as vampires, you have to find a way to be creative and innovative. Enter Night Patrol.
With Night Patrol, there are tons of underlying themes that go beyond it being just a vampire horror movie. The writers touch on race, politics, law enforcement, good and evil, but they don’t alienate either side of any issue.
Justin Long plays Hawkins, an LAPD officer who wants to join the Night Patrol to continue the legacy of his late father- who was considered a legend on the Night Patrol, however on his first night, he’s forced by fellow officer and the leader of the Night Patrol (CM Punk) to kill the girlfriend of Wazi- a member of the Crip gang- right in front of Wazi, who takes off and escapes.
Off to an already-tense start, Night Patrol does not look back and is not afraid to push the boundaries, making you uncomfortable at times, but also making you think.
The film revolves around the Night Patrol officers- who we quickly find out are pure evil and some of the worst people you’ll ever see- on the hunt for Wazi and on a mission to destroy the occupants of a predominantly black, inner-city apartment community.
We’re quickly introduced to Wazi’s older brother, who left the gang lifestyle and became an LAPD officer but has been excommunicated by his mother for joining law enforcement, who she blames for killing her husband & Wazi’s father.
The film introduces a multitude of characters- all of which play major roles in the outcome of the film and sets the stage for a gigantic race war between the residents of the community and the Night Patrol officers.
As Hawkins gets officially initiated into the Night Patrol, we’re blindsided by a major twist in the plot and one that changes the landscape of the rest of the movie but also sees Hawkins battling the internal good and evil that he faces.
The final battle between Wazi and the Night Patrol sees an innovative way of depicting the vampires but also gets very creative in how the vampires must be killed, which is what sets this movie apart from other vampiric attempts in the past.
Night Patrol is a refreshing take on vampire films and is brutally realistic in its underlying themes. While it gets a little muddy and convoluted at times, it has enough elements to keep you on your feet and is still a fun watch.
Rating: 8/10
-Reggie Edwards
Night Patrol hits theaters on Friday January 16, 2026.