Night Patrol review: vampire-cop premise undermined by uneven execution

According to Movieweb, Night Patrol squanders a promising gangsters‑versus‑vampire‑cops concept, centering on an LAPD anti‑gang task force whose brutal methods hide a supernatural secret.

The film follows new recruit Ethan Hawkins (Justin Long) and his absent partner Xavier Carr (Jermaine Fowler), with Xavier’s brother Wazi (RJ Cyler) still mixed up with the Crips — a setup that leads to a plot in which real‑life rival gangs the Crips and Bloods must team up against vampire officers. The review notes scenes that suggest a direct metaphor about police targeting Black communities, plus moments that tease a larger supernatural history (Freddie Gibbs’s Bornelius prepping with a battleaxe is singled out), but many of those ideas go underexplored.

The critic says director Ryan Prows and co‑writers overload the story, producing murky characterization, conspicuous ADR and tonal missteps; Phil Brooks (CM Punk) and Dermot Mulroney are among the vampire officers, with Gibbs and Nicki Micheaux singled out for stronger work. A major character death lands without the expected impact and the finale lacks panache. The review also notes producer David S. Goyer’s involvement and echoes of Blade; Night Patrol is listed with a January 16, 2026 release date and a 104‑minute runtime.

Key Topics

Culture, Night Patrol, Lapd, Crips, Bloods, Ryan Prows