The Night Listener

  • 2006
  • R
  • 91m
movieMx RATING
5.5
284
VERDICT
ABOVE AVERAGE
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The Night Listener Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict

Last updated: May 15, 2026

movieMx Editorial
📅 Updated: May 15, 2026 🎟️ Verified Screening

Movie Overview: The Night Listener

MovieThe Night Listener
Release Year2006
DirectorPatrick Stettner
GenreCrime / Horror / Mystery / Thriller
Runtime91 minutes (1h 31m)
LanguageEN

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is The Night Listener (2006) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.5/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Crime.

🎭 Cast & Character Study

The performances in The Night Listener are led by Robin Williams . The supporting cast, including Toni Collette and Rory Culkin , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.

💡 movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?

After analyzing the verified data, our assessment of The Night Listener (2006) is mixed. It has its moments but fails to leave a lasting impression. With a platform rating of 5.5/10, it currently stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our database.

What Works in the Movie

While The Night Listener does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Crime films.

  • Interesting concept or premise
  • Some entertaining scenes
  • Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights

What Doesn't Work

Despite its strengths, The Night Listener has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.

  • Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
  • Some predictable plot developments
  • May not appeal to audiences outside the Crime fanbase

Story & Plot Summary: The Night Listener

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2006, The Night Listener is a Crime, Horror, Mystery, Thriller film directed by Patrick Stettner. The narrative dives into the criminal underworld with a grounded sense of realism and complex morality. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Robin Williams as Gabriel Noone.

Ending Explained: The Night Listener

The Night Listener Ending Explained: In the midst of his crumbling relationship, a radio show host begins speaking to his biggest fan—a young boy—via the telephone. Directed by Patrick Stettner, this 2006 crime film stars Robin Williams (Gabriel Noone), alongside Toni Collette as Donna D. Logand, Rory Culkin as Pete D. Logand, Sandra Oh as Anna. Rated 5.5/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.

What Happens at the End of The Night Listener?

In the midst of his crumbling relationship, a radio show host begins speaking to his biggest fan—a young boy—via the telephone. But when questions about the boy's identity come up, the host's life is thrown into chaos.

Patrick Stettner's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Robin Williams (Gabriel Noone)'s journey. But when questions about the boy's identity come up, the host's life is thrown into chaos.

How Does Robin Williams (Gabriel Noone)'s Story End?

  • Robin Williams: Robin Williams's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
  • Toni Collette (Donna D. Logand): Toni Collette's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
  • Rory Culkin (Pete D. Logand): Rory Culkin's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.

What Does the Ending of The Night Listener Mean?

The ending of The Night Listener brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Robin Williams's story may not satisfy all audiences.

The Night Listener Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?

Is The Night Listener Based on a True Story?

Yes, The Night Listener draws from real criminal cases and investigative records. Directed by Patrick Stettner and starring Robin Williams, this crime, horror, mystery, thriller film explores how real events have been adapted into a dramatic narrative.

Real Story vs Movie Version of The Night Listener

The film takes creative liberties to strengthen its narrative. Certain scenes are likely dramatized to enhance emotional impact.

While inspired by real events, the narrative focuses more on storytelling than strict historical accuracy.

Accuracy Assessment: The Night Listener uses real-life inspiration as the foundation for a dramatized narrative. The film prioritizes thematic storytelling over strict documentary accuracy.

Who Should Watch The Night Listener?

Age Advisory: Rated R — not suitable for younger viewers.

Consider Watching If:

  • You're a completist for Crime films
  • You're curious despite mixed reviews
  • You have low expectations and want casual entertainment

Box Office Collection: The Night Listener

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $4.0M
Worldwide Gross $10.6M
Trade Verdict FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT

The Night Listener Budget

The estimated production budget for The Night Listener is $4.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.

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Where to Watch The Night Listener Online?

Streaming Hub

🎟️ Rent on

Amazon VideoAmazon Video
Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube
Fandango At HomeFandango At Home

🏷️ Buy on

Amazon VideoAmazon Video
Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube
Fandango At HomeFandango At Home

The Night Listener Parents Guide & Age Rating

2006 Advisory
R

Official Age Rating

Wondering about The Night Listener age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

The Night Listener is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense, mature themes, violence. It is intended for mature audiences only.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of The Night Listener (2006) is 91 minutes (1h 31m). Directed by Patrick Stettner, the film runs for 91 minutes in its complete theatrical version.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.5/10, and global performance metrics, The Night Listener is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2006 cinematic calendar.

ABOVE AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for The Night Listener. Rating: 5.5/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Night Listener worth watching?

The Night Listener is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies. It has a verified rating of 5.5/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find The Night Listener parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for The Night Listener identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the runtime of The Night Listener (2006)?

The runtime of The Night Listener (2006) is 91 minutes (approximately 1h 31m).

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movieMx Verified

This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 5.5
The Night Listener
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