Movie Review: "The Night of the Hunter" (1955)

Charles Laughton’s The Night of the Hunter (1955) is a film that defies all genres, blending elements of noir, thriller, and gothic fairy tale into a unique experience. A masterclass in building tension, this haunting tale is elevated by awesome performances from its cast, particularly its young leads and the mesmerising and psychotic style of Robert Mitchum in the central role. With its striking visuals and a narrative brimming with suspense, The Night of the Hunter stands as a terrifying work of the nightmarish cinema.

From its opening moments, the film establishes a tone of unease and foreboding that never lets up. Laughton’s direction is meticulous, crafting an atmosphere of creeping dread that permeates every scene. The story follows the malevolent Reverend Harry Powell (played by Mitchum), a self-styled preacher and conman, who embarks on a chilling pursuit of two children, John and Pearl, as they flee with knowledge of their late father’s stolen fortune. The gradual build of tension is one of the film’s most remarkable aspects, as the audience is drawn deeper into the children’s peril while simultaneously mesmerised by Powell’s unsettling charm and menace.

Much of the tension derives from Laughton’s use of stark contrasts in lighting and composition. The film’s expressionistic visuals are striking, with deep shadows and sharp angles that evoke the aesthetic of silent-era German Expressionist cinema. Scenes of quiet domesticity are juxtaposed with moments of terrifying intensity, and the interplay of light and dark becomes a visual metaphor for the battle between innocence and evil. One unforgettable sequence occurs when Powell’s towering silhouette is framed against the horizon as he rides on horseback, his presence looming like an inescapable spectre of doom. These stylistic choices enhance the film’s dreamlike quality, immersing the viewer in its unsettling world.

Central to the film’s success are the extraordinary performances of its young stars, Billy Chapin and Sally Jane Bruce, who play John and Pearl. Child actors often risk appearing overly rehearsed or unnatural, but Chapin and Bruce deliver performances that feel entirely authentic. Chapin, in particular, is outstanding as the protective older brother, portraying John’s courage and resourcefulness with remarkable maturity. His ability to convey fear, determination, and love for his sister anchors the film emotionally, ensuring the audience remains deeply invested in the children’s plight. Bruce’s portrayal of Pearl, meanwhile, captures the innocence and vulnerability of her character, creating an important counterpoint to the malevolence that is after them.

At the heart of The Night of the Hunter is Robert Mitchum’s unforgettable performance as Harry Powell. Mitchum’s portrayal is both magnetic and chilling, a study in the duality of charm and menace. Powell is a man who cloaks his predatory intentions in the guise of religious piety, and Mitchum’s ability to switch between honeyed words and chilling threats is nothing short of masterful and possibly reminds us of the false prophets from later cinema and television such as Flanagan's priest in Midnight Mass (though at least he had good intentions). His physicality—from his deliberate movements to his commanding presence—makes Powell an almost mythical figure, a predator whose malevolence feels both human and otherworldly. One of the film’s most iconic moments is Mitchum’s haunting rendition of the hymn “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms,” sung as he stalks the children through the night.

The Night of the Hunter is also notable for its innovative approach to storytelling. Laughton’s direction eschews conventional realism in favour of a more symbolic, almost allegorical style. The river journey undertaken by John and Pearl becomes a metaphor for their transition from innocence to experience, and the landscapes they traverse—from idyllic meadows to menacing swamps—mirror the emotional and thematic currents of the story. The film’s episodic structure, with its shifts in tone and perspective, creates a sense of unpredictability that keeps the audience on edge. And if you still don't believe me about the symbolism - then watch out for all those weird shots of animals.

In conclusion, The Night of the Hunter is a masterpiece of tension, performance, and visual storytelling. Its innovative use of light and shadow, combined with its unforgettable performances—particularly from Robert Mitchum and the young leads—creates a film that is as emotionally resonant as it is visually striking. Laughton’s singular vision results in a work that transcends genre, offering a meditation on the nature of good and evil, innocence and corruption. It has an awesome power which means no matter how hard you try, you cannot take your eyes from that screen.