I completed watching Nightcrawler (2014), and the movie is deeply disturbing in a very different way. I have watched A Serbian Film, and after that, I would place Nightcrawler among the most disturbing movies I have seen. But the difference is that A Serbian Film is disturbing because of its visuals and graphic content, whereas Nightcrawler is disturbing because of the character it builds around the story.
The protagonist is an extremely well-written evil character. He completely drives the entire film. Watching him makes us realize that people like this could actually exist in the real world, which is what makes the movie uncomfortable.
At the same time, he is highly disciplined, highly focused, and extremely skilled at his work. The frightening part is that all of those qualities exist alongside a deeply selfish and manipulative mindset. The movie also comments heavily on corporate media culture and the extent to which people will go for money, success, and personal achievement.
One of the most disturbing parts of the movie is the climax involving the protagonist’s assistant. The assistant is portrayed as an innocent and desperate person—someone introverted, financially struggling, and vulnerable. His desperation for money is exactly what the protagonist exploits.
The way the director builds this relationship is very effective. The assistant feels like a normal person, someone relatable, while the protagonist uses him purely as a tool for success. When the assistant dies, mainly because the protagonist values the news footage more than human life, the impact becomes extremely disturbing.
This is the kind of movie that stays in your mind for days after watching it. The character building is so strong that it feels almost flawless. I genuinely could not find mistakes in how the protagonist was written. His level of manipulation and emotional emptiness is portrayed with complete precision.
Apart from the character writing, the screenplay, visuals, and overall direction are also excellent. Interestingly, the storyline itself is actually very simple. The film is basically about the rise of the protagonist in the world of crime journalism and media production. There is no major opposition against him, no traditional heroic struggle, and no dramatic downfall. He simply keeps moving forward through manipulation and ambition.
Despite having such a straightforward plot, the movie remains incredibly engaging because the entire experience depends on the strength of the protagonist’s character. By the end, the audience feels impressed not because of a complicated story, but because of how powerful the character study is.
The movie also includes realistic car chases, driving sequences, and nighttime city visuals, which add to the atmosphere.
Overall, I would rate the movie 10 out of 10. Films like this are rare because they rely almost entirely on character construction rather than plot twists or emotional drama. People who watch movies mainly for story progression might dislike it, but for viewers interested in intense character studies, it is exceptional.