Night Always Comes is an upcoming crime thriller drama set to release on Netflix in 2025. Directed by Benjamin Caron, the film is based on the 2021 novel by Willy Vlautin and features a powerful lead performance by Vanessa Kirby, who also serves as one of the producers. This gripping story unfolds across one intense night, as Lynette (played by Kirby) struggles to keep her family’s home from slipping away.
At NetFilming, we’re taking a closer look at where this dramatic thriller was filmed—and how its filming locations help shape the mood and realism of the story.
What Does Night Always Come About?
Night Always Comes follows Lynette, played by the talented Vanessa Kirby, known for her standout roles in The Crown and Pieces of a Woman. Lynette is a working-class lady in Portland, Oregon, who is trying to keep her family’s house safe from the effects of gentrification. The story takes place during one dangerous night full of agonizing choices and a battle against time. Benjamin Caron directed the movie, which is based on Willy Vlautin’s 2021 book The Night Always Comes. Sarah Conradt wrote the script. The story is gritty and mixes crime, drama, and raw emotion. A stellar cast, including Jennifer Jason Leigh, Zack Gottsagen, Stephan James, Julia Fox, Eli Roth, Randall Park, and Michael Kelly, brings it to life.
Where Was Night Always Comes Filmed?
The movie was filmed entirely in Portland, Oregon, which is in the Pacific Northwest part of the United States. Portland is known for its cloudy sky, beautiful bridges and gritty city energy. In this novel, Portland is more than simply a setting; it is a key part of showing the main character’s emotional and physical challenges.
The filmmakers picked real neighborhoods, streets and landmarks in Portland that show both beauty and rawness to complement the story’s grim and urgent tone. These places, from tranquil residential areas to the city’s industrial underbelly, reflect Lynette’s emotional journey as she makes life-changing choices over the course of a single night.
Some of the standout locations used during filming include:
- Mt. Hood Community College – Filming took place in May 2024 on campus, with scenes shot in classrooms, courtyards, and parking areas. The director gave the movie a grounded, everyday setting while still capturing a sense of tension.
- Downtown Portland Bridges – Multiple iconic bridges were temporarily closed for intense nighttime sequences. These scenes are expected to heighten the suspense and urgency of Lynette’s journey.
- Various Inner-City Neighborhoods – Many real locations across Portland were used to create an authentic feel. Street corners, bars, shops, and rundown buildings all contribute to the film’s gritty realism.
Using actual Portland settings helped the filmmakers stay true to the book’s focus on class struggles, housing insecurity, and emotional survival. It also avoids artificial sets and green screens, adding to the realism that Netflix viewers will appreciate.
When Was Night Always Comes Filmed?
Filming kicked off in spring 2024, running from May 14 to July 2, 2024, in Portland, Oregon. Since the storyline unfolds over a single night, that meant filming took place primarily during the night. Shooting during these hours was effective for capturing the driving and rapid-paced tension-filled atmosphere that permeated the story.
The night-focused schedule also created a visually striking atmosphere that adds emotional weight to Lynette’s journey. Each scene was carefully crafted to feel real and immediate, with natural lighting and practical effects.
Production and Cast
Night Always Comes is a collaboration between Aluna Entertainment, H2L Media Group and other production companies, with Netflix backing the project. Announced in March 2024, the film is directed by Benjamin Caron, known for his work on Andor and The Crown. The screenplay, adapted from Vlautin’s novel, was penned by Sarah Conradt. Vanessa Kirby not only stars as Lynette but also serves as a producer, alongside Lauren Dark, Benjamin and Jodie Caron, Gary Levinsohn, and Billy Hines. This talented team brings a mix of experience and passion to the project, ensuring a gripping cinematic experience.
Meet the Cast
The film boasts an impressive lineup:
- Vanessa Kirby as Lynette, the determined protagonist.
- Jennifer Jason Leigh as Doreen, adding depth to the story.
- Zack Gottsagen as Kenny, Lynette’s older brother.
- Stephan James
- Julia Fox
- Eli Roth
- Randall Park
- Michael Kelly
Producers include Vanessa Kirby, Lauren Dark, Benjamin and Jodie Caron, Gary Levinsohn, and Billy Hines.
Night Always Comes Behind The Scenes
Filming Night Always Comes wasn’t just about capturing intense performances—it was about building a world that felt grounded, raw, and emotionally real. Director Benjamin Caron, known for Sharper and Andor, took a very hands-on approach. He emphasized the importance of authenticity in every frame.
“We didn’t want anything to feel staged,” Caron said in a behind-the-scenes interview. “The city of Portland had to be a character in itself—breathing, unpredictable, and alive at night.”
Vanessa Kirby, who not only stars as Lynette but also serves as a producer, shared her perspective:
“This story gripped me from the first page. Shooting at night in real locations brought out emotions that a studio set never could. Every corner of the city added weight to Lynette’s journey.”
To maintain realism, the crew often filmed in minimal light, using natural city lighting wherever possible. This gave the scenes a gritty and almost documentary-like texture. The cast also rehearsed on location to better connect with the environment and the urgency of the story.
Keep an eye on NetFilming for more updates as the release date nears!
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