When Night Is Falling (1995)
Genre: Drama / Romance / LGBTQ+
Directed by: Patricia Rozema
Starring: Pascale Bussières, Rachael Crawford, Henry Czerny, David Fox, Don McKellar
When Night Is Falling is a visually poetic and emotionally resonant Canadian film that explores the tension between faith, desire, and personal awakening. Directed by Patricia Rozema, the film tells the story of Camille Baker (Pascale Bussières), a mythology professor at a conservative Christian college in Toronto. Engaged to her colleague Martin (Henry Czerny), Camille’s structured life is upended when she meets Petra (Rachael Crawford), a charismatic circus performer.
Their chance encounter at a laundromat leads Camille into a journey of self-discovery, challenging her beliefs and the expectations placed upon her. As Camille becomes increasingly drawn to Petra’s free-spirited world, she must confront the confines of her religious community and her own fears.
Rozema’s direction imbues the film with a dreamlike quality, enhanced by Douglas Koch’s cinematography, which captures the stark beauty of the wintry Toronto landscape. Lesley Barber’s musical score further accentuates the film’s introspective mood.
Upon its release, When Night Is Falling garnered attention for its candid portrayal of a same-sex relationship and its critique of institutional rigidity. While some critics found the narrative elements conventional, the film has been celebrated for its heartfelt performances and its significance within LGBTQ+ cinema.
In summary, When Night Is Falling is a contemplative film that delves into the complexities of love, identity, and the courage it takes to embrace one’s true self.
