A story of miscommunication, conflict, and fear between two neighbors living in New York City.

Neighbors can often be pains in the ass, especially in a crammed city like New York City. The Night Owl is a story about miscommunication and conflict between two neighbors living in New York City. The film’s main character Aaron leads a privileged and relaxed life. He lives in a brownstone that was, and to some degree still is, occupied by native working class New Yorkers. After a night out with friends he is awoken by a knock on his door from the downstairs neighbor Leonard, who believes a loud banging is coming from Aaron’s apartment. Aaron and Leonard go through a series of increasingly tense interactions leading to an abstractly savage resolution.

As a filmmaker, I’m drawn in by the contrast between the way modern technology has us constantly communicating, yet in some ways growing increasingly out of touch with one another. This often sets the background for misunderstandings, fear, conflict and at times violence. It has become increasingly important to me to analyze this on a human level, which brings us face to face.

As the story describes a classic tale, the ergonomics of the film suggest a much deeper psychological thriller in hand. Director Anthony Nicolau does a wonderful job at creating tension through the character’s development, but also keeping us in suspense through the rising mysteries. The ending brilliantly summarizes the psychological play of the film while presenting a satisfying ending, opens the door to a plethora of questions.