🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: John Landis
- Genre: Crime, Comedy, Drama, Thriller, Mystery, Romance
- Release year: 1985
- Runtime (length): 1h 55min
- IMDb rating: 6.4/10 (15k votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 67%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A sleepless aerospace engineer gets entangled with a woman smuggling jewels, leading to a very long and eventful night filled with random celebrity cameos and increasingly absurd situations, all because his wife cheated on him.
🍿 Into the Night: Detailed Plot Synopsis
An Insomniac’s Unremarkable Life
Ed Okin, an aerospace engineer in Los Angeles, lives a monotonous life plagued by insomnia. He discovers his wife is cheating on him, adding to his unhappiness and restlessness. Seeking solace from his dull routine, Ed drives aimlessly one night, eventually finding himself at LAX airport.

A Chance Encounter at LAX
At the airport, Ed’s life takes an unexpected turn when he witnesses a frantic woman, Diana, being pursued by dangerous individuals. Diana jumps onto his car, pleading for help, and Ed impulsively decides to assist her, thrusting him into a world of danger and intrigue.

Navigating a Dangerous Night
Ed and Diana embark on a perilous journey through the city, evading relentless pursuers and encountering a series of eccentric characters. Diana reveals she’s smuggling valuable emeralds, making her a target for various factions, including Iranian agents and a sophisticated British killer.

Unraveling the Conspiracy
As the night progresses, Ed and Diana find themselves deeper entangled in a web of deceit and violence. They seek assistance from dubious allies, including Diana’s former lover and a shady casino owner, only to face betrayal and escalating danger at every turn.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Ed Okin (Jeff Goldblum): An insomniac aerospace engineer whose boring life takes a chaotic turn when he meets Diana.
- Diana (Michelle Pfeiffer): A beautiful model on the run from dangerous people after smuggling valuable emeralds.
- Herb (Dan Aykroyd): Ed’s friend and colleague who offers advice on Ed’s insomnia and marital problems.
- Colin Morris (David Bowie): A menacing British hitman working for Monsieur Melville, pursuing Diana for the emeralds.
- Shaheen Parvizi (Irene Papas): The ruthless aunt of Hasi, determined to recover the smuggled emeralds.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Ed Okin: “Are we under arrest, or what?” – Ed asks this to the federal agent in the motel room, trying to understand their situation, feeling caught between authorities and criminals.
- Federal Agent: “I’d say you fall into the ‘or what’ category.” – The agent’s sardonic reply to Ed underscores the ambiguous legal situation, neither arrested nor free.
- Diana: “Can I get a ride to the airport?” – Said at the end of the movie by Diana, after a night full of adventure to start another one.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $8,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $7,562,164
- Worldwide Gross: $7,562,164
💥 Into the Night Reviews
Personal Review
I remember watching this late at night as a kid, and it felt like a fever dream. Jeff Goldblum’s nervous energy perfectly captures that feeling of being totally out of your element. Michelle Pfeiffer is stunning, and the whole thing is just so bizarrely 80s. The cameos are fun to spot, but honestly, it’s the weird, unpredictable story that kept me hooked. I always felt like the ending was a little rushed, but I still love the overall vibe of the movie. If you’re looking for something offbeat and stylish, this is definitely worth checking out. It’s a fun, nostalgic trip back to a very specific era of filmmaking.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of 80s crime comedies”
- “Viewers interested in Jeff Goldblum or Michelle Pfeiffer”
- “Movie buffs who enjoy spotting director cameos”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Violence”
- “Drug use”
- “Nudity”
- “Strong language”
Professional Reviews
- Variety: “Into the Night is a quirky, uneven ride through the L.A. underworld. Goldblum and Pfeiffer have chemistry, but the film often feels disjointed, relying too heavily on cameos rather than a cohesive plot. Landis’s direction is stylish, but the film never quite finds its footing.
- RogerEbert.com: “While the film has its moments of suspense and humor, it ultimately falls short due to a convoluted plot and uneven pacing. The abundance of cameos distracts from the main narrative, and the film struggles to balance its comedic and thriller elements effectively.
Audience Reactions
The cameos are a fun distraction, making it a star-studded affair.: Many viewers appreciated the quirky humor, stylish direction, and the chemistry between Jeff Goldblum and Michelle Pfeiffer.
Michelle Pfeiffer’s performance is a standout, showcasing her early talent.: Audience members love Michelle Pfeiffer’s performance and beauty, solidifying her status as a rising star.
Overall Consensus: Into the Night is a stylish but uneven crime comedy with strong performances, but it struggles to balance its various elements and relies too heavily on celebrity cameos.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “John Landis cast numerous directors in cameo roles as a nod to his Hollywood peers.”
- “The soundtrack features original music by B.B. King, adding a distinct bluesy feel to the film’s atmosphere.”
- “Michelle Pfeiffer’s role as Diana was one of her early leading roles, helping to establish her as a major star.”
- “The film blends crime, comedy, and thriller elements, which was a common trend in 1980s cinema.”
🖥️ How to Watch Into the Night?
Into the Night is currently available for purchase or rental on various platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your preferred streaming service for availability, as it may occasionally be included in subscription libraries. For physical copies, consider checking online retailers for Blu-ray or DVD options.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Into the Night, you might like these similar films:
- After Hours (1985): Both films feature an ordinary man experiencing a bizarre and increasingly dangerous night in a city.
- Something Wild (1986): Another 80s film where a strait-laced individual is pulled into a chaotic and unpredictable adventure by a free-spirited woman.
- Collateral (2004): A modern thriller where an average man is forced into a dangerous situation involving criminals over one night.
- The Long Good Friday (1980): Stylish British crime movie set over one fateful Good Friday, that has similar crime elements.
🛒 Into the Night Related Products
- Into the Night [Blu-ray]: Experience the stylish visuals and quirky humor of Into the Night in stunning high definition. Relive the unforgettable performances of Jeff Goldblum and Michelle Pfeiffer in this classic 80s crime comedy.
- Michelle Pfeiffer: A Life on Film: Explore the career of Michelle Pfeiffer, one of Hollywood’s most talented and captivating actresses. This biography delves into her roles, including her breakthrough performance in Into the Night, offering insights into her craft and legacy.
- Jeff Goldblum – Funko Pop! Vinyl Figure: Add a touch of quirky charm to your collection with this Jeff Goldblum Funko Pop! figure. Featuring his signature style and unique personality, it’s the perfect tribute to the beloved actor.
- Los Angeles at Night Canvas Print: Bring the vibrant atmosphere of Los Angeles at night into your home with this stunning canvas print. Perfect for fans of ‘Into the Night’ or anyone who loves the city’s unique energy.
🎧 Soundtrack
Into the Night features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Into the Night was primarily filmed in Los Angeles, California, utilizing various iconic locations to capture the city’s vibrant nightlife and diverse environments. Specific filming locations include LAX airport and various streets and buildings around Hollywood.
The ending of Into the Night implies a transformation for Ed, who overcomes his insomnia and finds a sense of purpose through his adventure. It also suggests the start of a new, adventurous relationship with Diana, leaving their future open-ended and full of possibilities.
Into the Night features numerous cameo appearances by famous film directors, including David Cronenberg, Jonathan Demme, Lawrence Kasdan, Paul Mazursky, and John Landis himself. Spotting these cameos is a fun element for film enthusiasts.
🔥 Bonus Content
“The Night Eats the World” සිංහල Movie Review | Ending Explained Sinhala | Sinhala Movie Review
Curious about what a Sinhala perspective brings to ‘The Night Eats the World’? This review dives deep into the film, offering insights you might miss otherwise. I found their interpretation of the ending particularly interesting – definitely worth a watch!
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