"Night Always Comes": From Royal Family to Working-Class America with Benjamin Caron and Vanessa Kirby

A New Chapter for Vanessa Kirby and Benjamin Caron

In 2018, the star of The Crown, Vanessa Kirby, submitted an episode titled "Beryl," directed by Benjamin Caron, which earned her an Emmy nomination. Since then, the now Oscar-nominated actor and Emmy-winning executive producer has collaborated with Caron on several projects, including Peter Morgan’s acclaimed series about Queen Elizabeth II. Their professional relationship has continued to evolve even after they left the set of The Crown.

In 2020, the pandemic disrupted one of their potential film projects, but by 2024, Kirby's Aluna Entertainment and Caron's Square Eyed Pictures had successfully adapted Willy Vlautin's novel The Night Always Comes for Netflix. With the support of producing partners Jodie Caron (Square Eyed) and Lauren Dark (Aluna), Caron and Kirby brought the story of gentrification in Portland to the screen. In the film, Kirby plays Lynette, a woman determined to prevent the foreclosure of her childhood home within a single night.

To prepare the cast and crew for the crime thriller, Caron hosted a screening of John Cassavetes’ Gloria (1980). Kirby’s character was inspired by Gena Rowlands’ portrayal of Gloria Swenson, as both are strong-willed women fighting to protect others from threats. Although Cassavetes and Rowlands were married during their ten-film collaboration, Caron hopes to establish a similarly enduring creative partnership with Kirby.

"I'd love to think that this might be the first of many more projects together, but it's up to the studios," Caron told The Hollywood Reporter. "When we talk, we're always like, 'Wouldn't it be great to make this kind of film?' So hopefully that continues."

The Night Always Comes highlights the economic inequality in Portland, offering a stark contrast to Caron and Kirby’s previous work on The Crown. However, the challenges faced by Lynette, a member of the “working poor,” extend beyond the United States. "The idea that you can work two or three jobs and still not be able to afford your home is a universal modern tragedy," Caron said. "Lynette represents millions of people who are one paycheck away or one rent hike away from collapse, and that's not something that is just exclusive to America. That's very much a story that is also happening in the U.K. and across the world."

During a recent conversation with THR, Caron also discussed how Kirby's upcoming Marvel movie, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, influenced the release date of The Night Always Comes. He expressed some regrets regarding Andor season two, where he had been involved earlier.

A Film About Economic Struggle

A team of British filmmakers producing a movie about economic inequality in America may not seem like an obvious fit, but Caron and his collaborators found Lynette's circumstances to be universally relatable. "The idea that you can work two or three jobs and still not be able to afford your home is a universal modern tragedy," Caron said. "Lynette represents millions of people who are one paycheck away or one rent hike away from collapse, and that's not something that is just exclusive to America. That's very much a story that is also happening in the U.K. and across the world."

When Caron's team approached the Oregon film office to highlight gentrification and displacement in Portland, the conversation was straightforward. "The issues in the story are very evident," Caron noted. "You can't hide that it's happening currently, and it's not just in Portland. It's happening all over, whether that's San Francisco or Los Angeles. People are not falling into homelessness; they're being pushed into it."

A Creative Partnership

Caron and Kirby have a history that dates back to their work on The Crown. They previously worked together on the episode "Beryl," which Kirby submitted for an Emmy nomination. Caron believes their collaboration could lead to more projects in the future. "I'd love to think that this is the beginning of a great relationship and partnership in terms of filmmaking," he said. "Our relationship on The Crown was actor-director, but now it was producer-actor and producer-director, so that was a really lovely first for both of us."

Influences and Inspirations

Caron drew inspiration from several films while preparing for The Night Always Comes. He screened John Cassavetes’ Gloria at the Hollywood Theatre in Portland, noting that Gena Rowlands' performance inspired the soul of the film. "Lynette is not a victim; she's a catalyst," he explained. "Like Rowlands' Gloria, she's volatile, emotionally raw, and morally complex."

Other influences included Joel Schumacher's Falling Down, the Safdie brothers’ Uncut Gems and Good Time, Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver and After Hours, and Ridley Scott’s Thelma & Louise. These films helped shape the tone and style of The Night Always Comes.

Casting and Collaborations

Zack Gottsagen, known for his role in The Peanut Butter Falcon, played a key role in The Night Always Comes as Lynette’s developmentally disabled brother. Caron praised Gottsagen for his authenticity and emotional intelligence, calling him a stabilizing force for the film. "He's the truthsayer," Caron said. "He's the most honest actor you could possibly ever cast."

Looking Ahead

Caron is currently working on a few TV episodes in the U.K. and has two feature films in the market. "I'm doing a bit of TV for the next six months, and then hopefully making another feature film," he said.

The Night Always Comes is now streaming on Netflix.