The Nightcomers
Performance & Direction: The Nightcomers Review
Last updated: January 25, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Nightcomers (1972) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.6/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Nightcomers features a noteworthy lineup led by Marlon Brando . Supported by the likes of Stephanie Beacham and Thora Hird , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Nightcomers (1972) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.6/10, it stands as a decent one-time watch.
Story & Plot Summary: The Nightcomers
Quick Plot Summary: The Nightcomers is a Drama, Horror, Thriller film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ending Explained: The Nightcomers
Ending Breakdown: The Nightcomers attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Nightcomers reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Nightcomers?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Top Cast: The Nightcomers
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch The Nightcomers Online?
Streaming HubThe Nightcomers Parents Guide & Age Rating
1972 AdvisoryWondering about The Nightcomers age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Nightcomers is 96 minutes (1h 36m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.6/10, and global performance metrics, The Nightcomers is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1972 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Nightcomers worth watching?
The Nightcomers is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 5.6/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Nightcomers parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Nightcomers identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Nightcomers?
The total duration of The Nightcomers is 96 minutes, which is approximately 1h 36m long.
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Critic Reviews for The Nightcomers
_**Brando as a charismatic outcast at a manor in Victorian Britain**_ At the turn of the century in Victorian England, two orphans are raised at a remote manor by a beautiful governess (Stephanie Beacham), but a free-spirited gardener taints their upbringing and the governess’ virtue (Marlon Brando). Thora Hird plays the old biddy housekeeper. "The Nightcomers" (1971-1972) is a prequel to “The Turn of the Screw,” the 1898 novella by Henry James, which was made into the B&W classic movie with Deborah Kerr, “The Innocents” (1961). While James’ original story is low-key Gothic horror with ghostly elements, this proposed sequel is a drama about the corruption of youth at an English estate with some edgy parts. It combines the setting & situation of “The Secret Garden” (1993) with the disturbing corrupting-of-age elements of "Last Summer" (1969) and "The Sailor who Fell from Grace with the Sea" (1976). This one’s not great like those three movies, but it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re a fan of the classic story, Marlon and Stephanie or the themes trip your trigger. The last act is worth the wait. IMHO it’s on par with the better known “The Innocents” and is less ambiguous. Of course this is not the official prequel to James’ story (since no such prequel exists), but simply a possible interpretation or alternative interpretation by the filmmakers. Brando was almost 47 during shooting and just past his physical prime, although he wasn’t overweight yet (maybe a few extra pounds, but that’s about it). Of course Beacham was one of the loveliest women to grace the Earth at the time. Meanwhile Verna Harvey as the girl Flora was actually 18 during shooting (a couple months shy of 19), but the filmmakers did an excellent job of making her look 13-14. I think they legally required an adult for the role for obvious reasons. Marlon’s mumbling can be hard to discern so I suggest utilizing the subtitles if they’re available. The film runs 1 hour, 36 minutes, and was shot at Sawston Hall, Sawston, Cambridgeshire, England, and the Cherry Hinton Chalk Pits north of there, both are located southeast of Cambridge. GRADE: B-/B
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
