The Wasteland Reviewer

Night Patrol (2026) Written Review

How does one make vampire stories fresh in 2026? There have been countless vampire tales in all types of media going back to Bram Stoker’s classic novel Dracula. There have even been endless versions of just Dracula let alone any other type of vampire story. There are different aspects of the story that you can shake up to keep things fresh and deliver something which is why this subgenre has lived on for decades. With the latest vampire flick coming your way, Night Patrol injects some specific aspects that define its existence. The setting is a rundown L.A. neighborhood that is constantly navigating police control. The added ripple is that all the white cops in a specific task force are part of a horde of vampires. Vampirism is deeply rooted in the white race and this community’s only hope is to dig into their African roots. That is certainly a twist! 

Does Night Patrol offer up a compelling and engaging narrative with these concepts? Unfortunately, this film does feel like it is based on a script written by four writers. There are just too many cooks in the kitchen, and it gives Night Patrol a scattered and clunky feeling. The overall concept and ideas are promising but they are not handled in the most effective way. You have all the racial elements of the film which are navigated in such a blunt and ineffective way. The parallels to how the police abuse their powers to overwhelm communities are spelled out so directly that it feels like it is explaining things to you instead of enveloping you in a meaningful story. The solution to this vampiric problem has some deep roots but the film chooses to shoehorn them at the last minute instead of making them feel undercooked. Too much motivation and backstory are dumped in clunky exposition and there are too many inconsistencies in the vampire mechanics to give the film a deep impact. 

Does director Ryan Prows bring something special to the film from behind the camera? You can tell this film is low budgeted and Prows leans into that in many ways. There is a fun practical effects charm with the film as there are limbs, exploding bodies, and blood everywhere (which does scratch that horror itch quite well). There are certainly some moments where the limited budget undercuts the film’s effectiveness. There is a scene with some running in it, and they switch to a medium shot directly at the characters who are obviously running in-place, flailing their arms, and looking fake as possible. There are some clunky editing moments as well that seem like they are there to make-up for some clunky performances and action. There certainly is an eerie vibe to the film (night being the primary setting for the film makes sense) that is achieved despite its limited budget. There is a charm to the low-fi feel to the film as the film has a grindhouse or midnight movie type of feel. 

Does the cast bring some extra life to this film filled with the undead? RJ Cyler takes center stage as the film’s central protagonist who brings plenty of energy to the role and delivers plenty of fun dialogue along the way. He is quite funny but not as funny as Freddie Gibbs, who is by far the most hilarious part of the whole film. Their dynamic is plenty fun to keep the audience connected and engaged during this messy narrative. Nicki Micheaux portrays Cyler’s mother and she brings some presence and sass to the film in much needed doses. Jermaine Fowler gets less screen time but makes the most of it. Then you have the white actors who are on the law enforcement end of things. Justin Long is committed to his wild character with plenty of crazed outbursts and manic moments. Phil Brooks (CM Punk to the world of professional wrestling) does get to lean into his physicality and attitude to make for an intimidating presence. Dermot Mulroney has gotten plenty of practice in over-the-top character actor roles in recent years and he surely leans into that here as the film’s big bad, racist vampire lord (a.k.a. Sarge).

Does Night Patrol offer up a fun new twist on the vampire genre? The racial elements, police power, and African cultural roots all give the film plenty of potential. Unfortunately, most of that is wasted on this clunky and awkward screenplay. There are fun and wild practical vampire trappings that will scratch that horror itch at least. But even some fun performances cannot overcome this clunky and messy experience.