Nightshift (1981): cast, story & where to watch
1981 · Film · ★ 10
Released in 1981, Nightshift is a notable film.
What it’s about. It is night and, in the foyer of a small hotel, a receptionist performs her tasks, unhurried and impassive, her face ghost-white, an emotional mask. Like the camera, she gazes steadily, both silent spectator and vicarious participant in the fantasies played out by the hotel's transient guests. As the night progresses, she answers a phone, hands over a key; guests pass back and forth gradually taking on a dream-like presence. She continues to work and, when morning comes, she leaves, her nightshift over. 'NIGHTSHIFT shows what film can do if the conventional pace of narrative is slowed down and montage diminished. It is not a new idea, of course, but the way it is done here is both absorbing to look at and satisfying from the moral point of view.' (Jill Forbes, Monthly Film Bulletin)
Who’s in it. Nightshift stars Jon Jost and Heathcote Williams.
How it landed. With an audience score of 10.0/10, Nightshift sits among the best-reviewed titles in the catalogue.
Where to watch. In US you can stream it on Criterion Channel. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Nightshift page.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Nightshift (1981)?
- In US, Nightshift is available to stream on Criterion Channel. Availability varies by country — check our where-to-watch page for every region.
- Is Nightshift worth watching?
- Nightshift holds an audience score of 10.0 out of 10. Most viewers rate it highly.
- Who stars in Nightshift?
- Nightshift stars Jon Jost and Heathcote Williams.
- When was Nightshift released?
- Nightshift was released in 1981.