When Night is Falling

To describe the plot of Patricia Rozema's (White Room, I've Heard the Mermaids Singing) third feature is to do this film a disservice. When Night Is Falling involves two professors at a religious college and a circus performer, but the film is far from kooky or zany. Canadian writer-director Rozema's When Night Is Falling is an enchanting film filled with luminous images and intriguing characters much like her debut film I've Heard the Mermaids Singing. The unexpected death of mythology professor Camille's (Bussières) dog Bob opens the film. After distractedly placing the lifeless Bob in her refrigerator, Camille finds herself sobbing in a laundromat to a stranger, circus performer Petra (Crawford). Bob's death begins a period of contemplation for Camille that includes a re-evaluation of her relationship with her lover Martin (Czerny, last seen in The Boys of St. Vincent). Drawn back to Petra and her Sircus of Sorts through a series of “planned” coincidences, Camille tentatively begins an affair with Petra that jeopardizes Camille's career and her relationship with Martin. When Night Is Falling begins with images of bodies in water, beautiful and fluid. This fluidity marks cinematographer Douglas Koch's expertise as he visually weaves Camille's life with Petra's. A scene in which Camille's blue Volvo drives on a misty, wintry evening to the colorful warehouse where Petra and the circus are rehearsing succinctly conveys the distinct personalities of the women. Bussières' and Crawford's acting contribute wonderfully to this as well. Rozema's dialogue helps to create believable characters which allows a space in which to engage with Camille and Petra despite the extraordinary circumstances of their situation. Additionally, Martin's character becomes effectively nuanced as the film develops, due in part to Czerny's performance. The same cannot be said for Reverend DeBoer (Fox), the chaplain of the college whose role deteriorates into a caricature. The film's treatment of religion is otherwise balanced and thoughtful, which makes DeBoer's depiction that much more unfortunate. Also problematic is a subplot involving the circus manager (McKellar) and his girlfriend (Wright); the performances are fine, but their characters' relationship seems superfluous to the story. Despite these minor detractions and an ending that may not satisfy all viewers, When Night Is Falling is worth seeing, a magical film full of small delights.