NIGHT PATROL

3000 1688 PRADT
3-MINUTE READ

An LAPD officer discovers a police task force is harboring a horrific secret that endangers residents of the housing projects he grew up in. A film by Ryan Prows, starring Jermaine Fowler, Justin Long, Freddie Gibbs, RJ Cyler, Keenon Dequan “YG” Ray Jackson, Nicki Micheaux, Flying Lotus, Jon Oswald, Nick Gillie, Zuri Reed, Phil Brooks, Mike Ferguson, Colin Young, Zach Andrews, D.Loc, and Dermot Mulroney.

NIGHT PATROL

Ryan Prows
(2026)


 

One night, Wazi Carr (RJ Cyler) sneaks out of his house to meet his girlfriend Zarina “Primo” Shannon (Zuri Reed) at their usual spot. Primo is caught off guard when Wazi tries to give her a ring, making sure he isn’t actually proposing. Wazi assures her it is just a gift. He explains that it was his mother’s ring and holds Zulu cultural significance, but he doesn’t really care about that. He simply thought it looked cool. Wazi gets frustrated when Primo reminds him that their romance is purely for fun. She points out that she cannot wear his jewelry or be seen with a Crip, as their respective gangs are bitter enemies. When Wazi suggests they run away together to leave the gang war behind, Primo refuses to abandon her family. She tells Wazi to get out of her car and take the ring with him.

A police cruiser suddenly pulls up behind Primo’s car. Over the PA system, Officer Chad White (colin-young) orders Zarina Shannon to exit the vehicle immediately, threatening to open fire if she refuses. As Primo steps out, a deputy (Phil Brooks) approaches her. When Primo asks what they are doing and points out that he is not wearing a bodycam, the deputy ignores her questions and orders her to face the other way. Shining his flashlight into her car, he spots a pistol lying on the console above the glove compartment. He grabs the loaded weapon and hands it to Ethan Hawkins (Justin Long). Ethan aims the gun at Primo’s back but struggles to pull the trigger. However, the deputy insists that if Ethan wants to join the Night Patrol, he has to do it. Left with no other choice, Ethan fires the weapon, killing Primo instantly.

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NIGHT PATROL 🚔
When the city goes dark, the rules disappear.

A film by Ryan Prows, starring Jermaine Fowler, Justin Long, Freddie Gibbs, RJ Cyler, Keenon Dequan 'YG' Ray Jackson, Nicki Micheaux, Flying Lotus, Jon Oswald, Nick Gillie, Zuri Reed, Phil Brooks, and Dermot Mulroney.
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Directed by American filmmaker Ryan Prows from a screenplay he co-wrote with Shaye Ogbonna, Tim Cairo, and Jake Gibson, Night Patrol is a supernatural horror-thriller. The film follows an LAPD officer whose brother witnesses a murder and suddenly finds himself hunted by a legendary police force.

Despite an inventive premise that weaves together vampire tropes, prejudice, and Zulu mythology, the film struggles to execute its ambitious vision. The narrative is dragged down by underdeveloped characters, confusing vampire lore, illogical plot choices, and awkward dialogue.

NIGHT PATROL

NIGHT PATROL premiered at Fantastic Fest on 19 September 2025. The film had a limited theatrical release in the United States on 16 January 2026.