Night Hunter (2018)

Last updated:
October 30, 2025

Night Hunter (also known as Nomis in some regions) is a psychological crime thriller directed by David Raymond. The film dives into the disturbing world of abduction, manipulation, and human psychology, featuring a cast of strong performers like Henry Cavill, Ben Kingsley, and Alexandra Daddario. It’s a dark and twisty detective story that questions what justice means when the line between predator and victim begins to blur.

Table of Contents

Detailed Summary

Opening: A City Gripped by Fear

The film begins with Detective Marshall (Henry Cavill) investigating a series of kidnappings and sexual assaults in a snowy Minnesota town. The victims are young women, all taken under similar circumstances, leading Marshall to suspect a highly intelligent serial predator is at work.

At the same time, we meet Cooper (Ben Kingsley), a retired judge who has taken the law into his own hands. With the help of Lara (Eliana Jones), a former victim, he lures predators and punishes them in vigilante fashion. His operation intersects with Marshall’s investigation as both realize they may be dealing with the same criminal mind.

The Capture of Simon

Eventually, the police capture Simon Stulls (Brendan Fletcher), a mentally impaired young man found at one of the crime scenes. He’s immediately pegged as the suspect, but something feels off. Simon appears childlike, simple-minded, and incapable of the brutality linked to the crimes. However, as the investigation unfolds, psychologist Rachel Chase (Alexandra Daddario) discovers that Simon’s personality shifts unpredictably, revealing something far darker beneath the surface.

The Discovery of the Doppelgänger

As the team interrogates Simon, strange events begin to occur. Evidence points to him being both at the crime scene and somewhere else simultaneously. Soon, the investigators realize Simon has a doppelgänger—or rather, a twin brother. The real killer has been manipulating the situation, using Simon’s mental condition as a perfect cover for his crimes.

The Abductions Continue

Despite Simon being in custody, more girls are abducted, which confirms that another perpetrator is still active. Rachel herself is eventually kidnapped by the real killer, who is revealed to be Simon’s twin. The film shifts into high tension as Marshall and his team race against time to find her before it’s too late.

Movie Ending

In the final act, the truth is fully revealed. The real villain is not Simon, but his twin brother who has been hiding in plain sight. The killer has been using Simon’s mental disability as both a shield and a weapon, orchestrating everything from behind the scenes. His motivation is rooted in a history of trauma and twisted obsession with control.

Rachel, held captive by the true killer, manages to manipulate him psychologically—turning his fractured mental state against him. Meanwhile, Marshall and his team close in, following clues that lead them to an abandoned estate in the snowy wilderness.

A violent confrontation follows. The killer, realizing his control is slipping, lashes out violently. Marshall engages in a tense standoff, and after a brutal exchange, the killer is shot and falls into the icy water, seemingly dead.

Simon, in custody, has an emotional breakdown as he senses his brother’s death, hinting at a deep psychic connection between them. Rachel survives, but visibly shaken and scarred by the ordeal. The movie ends on a somber note, with Marshall reflecting on the cost of justice and how easily it can blur with vengeance.

The final shot shows the frozen lake where the killer fell beneath the ice—quiet and still, suggesting that some evil may never truly vanish.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, Night Hunter does not have any post-credits scenes. The story concludes with the main narrative’s resolution, and there are no hints at sequels or follow-up stories.

Type of Movie

Night Hunter is a psychological thriller and crime mystery with elements of neo-noir. It combines investigative drama, psychological manipulation, and moral ambiguity, similar in tone to films like Prisoners and Seven.

Cast

Henry Cavill as Detective Marshall
Ben Kingsley as Cooper
Alexandra Daddario as Rachel Chase
Brendan Fletcher as Simon Stulls
Stanley Tucci as Commissioner Harper
Nathan Fillion as Matthew Quinn
Eliana Jones as Lara

Film Music and Composer

The music was composed by Alex Lu, whose minimalist score amplifies the film’s tension and psychological dread. The soundtrack uses dark electronic undertones and subdued orchestral elements to mirror the cold, unsettling atmosphere of the story.

Filming Locations

Night Hunter was filmed primarily in Winnipeg, Manitoba (Canada). The snowy and desolate landscapes play a crucial role in setting the tone—cold, isolated, and morally gray. The frozen environment acts almost as a character itself, symbolizing both emotional detachment and hidden danger beneath the surface.

Awards and Nominations

The film did not receive major award recognition but was noted at genre festivals for its performances and atmosphere. It premiered at the LA Film Festival under its original title Nomis.

Behind the Scenes Insights

The film was shot during the freezing winter months of Winnipeg, often in temperatures below -20°C.
Henry Cavill reportedly performed several of his own stunts, especially in the climactic chase sequences.
Brendan Fletcher’s portrayal of Simon was based on research into dissociative identity disorder and behavioral mimicry.
Director David Raymond described the film as a “modern-day fairy tale set in a nightmare.”

Inspirations and References

The movie draws thematic inspiration from classic thrillers such as The Silence of the Lambs, Seven, and Prisoners. Its exploration of morality and justice mirrors noir traditions, while its duality theme (Simon and his twin) reflects philosophical questions about identity and evil.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

A few deleted scenes reportedly provided more backstory on Cooper’s vigilante operation and Rachel’s psychological evaluation of Simon. One alternate ending was rumored to have shown Simon surviving and smiling at the camera—implying the evil might still be alive—but this was never released in the final cut.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

Simon’s chilling first interrogation, where his personality switches abruptly mid-conversation.
Rachel’s abduction sequence—shot in near-silence, building unbearable tension.
The icy finale, where the killer plunges beneath the frozen lake.

Iconic Quotes

Marshall: “Justice isn’t about revenge. It’s about stopping the next one.”
Rachel: “You can’t reason with a mind that only understands control.”
Cooper: “We all break the law when the law breaks us first.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

The film’s original title Nomis is “Simon” spelled backward—hinting at the duality theme and the hidden twin twist.
In one scene, a chessboard appears with all white pieces on one side, symbolizing the illusion of moral purity.
The number 13 recurs subtly throughout the film—license plates, room numbers—representing bad luck and chaos.

Trivia

Night Hunter was one of Henry Cavill’s first roles after his tenure as Superman.
The movie’s production team included several crew members from The Revenant, explaining the stark visual style.
The film’s script underwent multiple rewrites to tone down some of the more disturbing psychological content.

Why Watch?

Watch Night Hunter if you enjoy cerebral, slow-burn thrillers that challenge moral boundaries. It’s a film that keeps you guessing until the very end, offering strong performances and a haunting atmosphere. If you like movies where justice is never simple and villains are as complex as the heroes, this one is worth your time.

Director’s Other Movies

The Other Man (2013) – short

Night Hunter (2018)