Six years after its initial release, a sleeper hit thriller starring Henry Cavill is quietly dominating streaming services, proving that audience tastes often differ wildly from critical consensus.
While Henry Cavill is globally recognized for his roles as Superman in the DC Universe and Geralt of Rivia in Netflix’s The Witcher, his filmography contains hidden gems that didn’t make waves at the box office. One such project is the 2018 action thriller Night Hunter (originally titled Nomis), which is currently enjoying a massive resurgence on Paramount+.
According to data from FlixPatrol, Night Hunter has cracked the Top 10 most-watched movies on the platform in multiple countries. The film peaked at number three in Argentina and Bolivia and maintains a strong presence in Chile, Mexico, and Paraguay. As of January 18, the gritty crime thriller even held the number three spot globally on Paramount+, signaling a definitive second wind for the underappreciated film.
A Star-Studded Cast and a Dark Plot
Directed by David Raymond, Night Hunter features an impressive ensemble cast alongside Cavill, including Academy Award winner Ben Kingsley, Alexandra Daddario, and Stanley Tucci.
Cavill plays Detective Walter Marshall, a cop investigating a series of suspicious deaths linked to a lumber truck. His investigation inevitably collides with a sting operation targeting a dangerous child predator. The narrative weaves a complex web of vigilante justice, featuring Ben Kingsley as Michael Cooper, a former judge operating outside the law, and Alexandra Daddario as fellow officer Rachel Chase. The film promises—and delivers—a series of twists that keep viewers guessing until the end.
Critical Reviews vs. Audience Reception
Despite its current streaming success, Night Hunter was not a critical darling upon its 2019 release. The film holds an abysmal 14% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, with some reviewers calling it “twaddle” and criticizing its handling of dark subject matter.
However, the Popcornmeter (audience score) sits at a more respectable 51%, and the film has found a dedicated cult following. On IMDb, the movie holds a 6.0 rating, with many users praising the film’s atmospheric tension and Cavill’s performance. One user noted, “If you like Silence of the Lambs type flicks and give it a willing suspension of disbelief, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.”
Why It’s a Sleeper Hit
Night Hunter struggled to find its footing during its limited theatrical run and VOD debut. However, the streaming era has given the film a new life. It serves as a prime example of a “sleeper hit”—a movie that gains popularity long after its initial release, often through word-of-mouth and algorithmic recommendations.
Audiences are discovering that while the script may not be perfect, the chemistry between the cast and the gritty, noir-inspired direction offer a compelling viewing experience that critics may have overlooked.
Where to Watch
If you missed Night Hunter during its initial run, now is the perfect time to catch up. The film is currently available to stream on Paramount+. For those who prefer to own or rent, it is also available on Apple TV and Prime Video.
