When Night Is Falling (1995)

50% of critics liked it
(16 reviews)
81% of users liked it
(4,524 ratings)

This Canadian drama tells the tale of Camille, who works at an uptight Protestant college as a professor of mythology. She has been going out with career theologian Martin for three years, but it appears her real true love is her dog, Bob. Bob dies in a tragic car accident and poor Camille is… More This Canadian drama tells the tale of Camille, who works at an uptight Protestant college as a professor of mythology. She has been going out with career theologian Martin for three years, but it appears her real true love is her dog, Bob. Bob dies in a tragic car accident and poor Camille is devastated. She is so upset that she grabs the wrong clothes from the laundromat. The clothes belong to the beautifully predatory Petra. Camille discovers the error and returns them to Petra's workplace, an avant-garde circus in an empty warehouse where Petra confesses that she switched them on purpose so she could seduce Camille. Camille demurs. Petra begins following her, and gets to kiss her in the lobby. Eventually the persistent Petra succeeds and the two become lovers. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 22 min.
Directed By: Patricia Rozema
Written By: Patricia Rozema
Genres: Drama, Romance, Gay & Lesbian

In Theaters: Nov 17, 1995 Wide
On DVD: Feb 5, 2008
Studio: Evergreen

Critic Reviews

Jack Mathews, Los Angeles Times
It is so focused on its own boldness, its dare-to-shock sensuality (the film got an NC-17 from the MPAA, but is being released unrated), that nothing else comes through.
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
When Night is Falling has too many unintended laughs for its passion to be convincing.
Edward Guthmann, San Francisco Chronicle
Rozema is a fabulist with a strong visual sense, and she creates a distinctive, enclosed world to illustrate Camille's odyssey.
James Berardinelli, ReelViews
Symbols are supposed to be subtle, but Rozema is intent upon bludgeoning the audience with them.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
The film is intelligent, sensitive and in its own uniquely quiet way quite a delicious treat.
Widgett Walls, Needcoffee.com
A well-done portrait of a person who has to come to grips with the fact that love, while a many-splendoured thing, is also extremely unpredictable.
Scott Weinberg, eFilmCritic.com
Those looking for an earnest depiction (and one that doesn't wallow in the seemingly inherent 'leering' of similar films), it's probably worthy of a look.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
Powerful film that beautifully choreographs the potencies of sexual desire in a woman who has put too much emphasis upon her mind.
Shlomo Schwartzberg, Boxoffice Magazine
When compared to such incisive lesbian dramas as Lianna and Desert Hearts, Rozema's effort seems flat and banal.
Bruce Kirkland, Jam! Movies
A seductive, sensuous experience.
Christopher Null, Filmcritic.com
Camille's motivation is a complete mystery to us.

Read all 11 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Ina S

It is good, entertaining and even sexy. But there isn't much content beyond the unequal romance. However, it's always refreshing to see a likeable, non-psychotic lesbian couple on film. And the actresses have excellent chemistry.