Night Watch (2005)

Gonzalo Heredia stars in Argentinian writer/director Edgardo Cozarinsky’s 2005 film NIGHT WATCH (Ronda nocturna).

Today’s post was written by author/critic Gary Kramer (@garyemkramer on Instagram) - Be sure to follow his Instagram account for fantastic reviews, as well as information on new queer film releases!

There is something alluring about Víctor (Gonzalo Heredia), the attractive protagonist of NIGHT WATCH, an intriguing character study-cum-thriller. Clad in jeans and a tight white t-shirt, Víctor is handsome, and the air of mystery he seems to possess, along with the outward confidence he initially projects, helps cement his appeal. Víctor is eking out life performing sex work and dealing drugs.

Writer/director Edgardo Cozarinsky deliberately offers Víctor only in the present; he has no past and, given the atmosphere of death that surrounds him throughout the film, possibly no future. It is this night in the life and life of the night that forms the basis for the mostly plotless NIGHT WATCH, a film that seduces viewers.

Much of NIGHT WATCH features poignant scenes of characters alone and silent at night. Cozarinsky’s approach creates meaning out of these small, intimate episodes that address how people communicate what they want through gestures, not words. A scene of Víctor and his buddy playing in a shower, or doing a form of tai chi, show their palpable bond.  It provides an evocative glimpse into Victor's character as well as the Buenos Aires night.

NIGHT WATCH is available for rent/purchase on Amazon (USA/UK) and also available on DVD.

NIGHT WATCH (Ronda nocturna)

2005. Argentina.

Director: Edgardo Cozarinsky

Screenplay: Edgardo Cozarinsky

Starring: Gonzalo Heredia, Mariana Anghileri, Rafael Ferro, Darío Tripicchio & Gregory Dayton