Henry Cavill, once the iconic Superman and the stoic Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher, has cultivated a devoted fanbase that eagerly follows his every role. While his blockbuster performances have defined much of his career, one lesser-known gem in his filmography is poised to capture attention once again. Night Hunter (also known as Nomis in some regions), a 2019 action thriller, showcases Cavill in a starkly different light—no cape, no sword, just a gritty determination as a detective on the hunt for a serial killer. Despite a rocky critical reception, with a mere 14% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the film is a must-watch for Cavill enthusiasts and will be available to stream for free on Tubi starting August 1, 2025. This article delves into the film’s premise, Cavill’s compelling performance, its production journey, critical and audience reactions, and Cavill’s evolving career, offering a comprehensive look at why Night Hunter deserves a second chance.

A Dark and Twisty Thriller

Night Hunter is a psychological action thriller that plunges viewers into the murky world of crime and justice. The film follows Detective Walter Marshall (Cavill), a weathered police lieutenant in Minnesota who is relentlessly pursuing a serial killer responsible for a string of female abductions and murders. The official synopsis captures the essence of the story: “A police lieutenant, his entire force, and a vigilante become caught up in a dangerous scheme involving a troubled man who’s linked to years of female abductions.” This premise sets the stage for a cat-and-mouse game filled with psychological tension, unexpected twists, and moral ambiguity.

The narrative begins when the body of a young woman is discovered in a lumber truck, leading Marshall to suspect she took her own life to escape a captor. The investigation takes a turn when a vigilante sting operation, led by former judge Michael Cooper (Ben Kingsley), inadvertently results in the kidnapping of Cooper’s ward, Lara (Eliana Jones). Using a tracker in Lara’s earrings, Marshall uncovers a mansion owned by Simon Stulls (Brendan Fletcher), a man whose apparent mental disability masks a deeper, more sinister mystery. As Marshall teams up with psychologist Rachel Chase (Alexandra Daddario) and his colleagues, including Matthew Quinn (Nathan Fillion) and Glasgow (Mpho Koaho), the case grows increasingly complex, with the suspect’s erratic behavior raising questions about his guilt—or whether he’s manipulating the system.

Directed and written by David Raymond in his feature debut, Night Hunter draws inspiration from classic thrillers like The Silence of the Lambs and Se7en, blending gritty police procedural elements with psychological depth. The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Stanley Tucci as Commissioner Harper, Minka Kelly as Marshall’s ex-wife Angie, and supporting performances by Emma Tremblay, Daniela Lavender, and Dylan Penn. Despite its ambitious scope, the film’s convoluted plot and uneven pacing drew criticism upon release, yet its strong performances and intense atmosphere make it a compelling watch for fans of the genre.

Cavill’s Standout Performance as Walter Marshall

In Night Hunter, Henry Cavill trades his superhero polish for a rugged, disheveled look that perfectly suits the character of Walter Marshall. Gone is the chiseled Man of Steel; instead, Cavill embodies a brooding, no-nonsense detective haunted by his personal and professional struggles. Sporting a scruffy beard and a weathered trench coat, Marshall is a far cry from the polished heroes Cavill typically portrays. His performance is marked by a quiet intensity, with moments of raw emotion—particularly in scenes with his teenage daughter, Faye (Emma Tremblay)—that reveal the toll his obsessive pursuit of justice takes on his personal life.

Cavill’s ability to convey both strength and vulnerability makes Marshall a compelling protagonist. In one memorable scene, he confronts the suspect with a mix of controlled rage and desperation, showcasing his physical presence while hinting at the psychological weight of the case. Critics and fans alike have praised Cavill’s performance as a highlight, with some calling it one of his best. A user review on IMDb notes, “If you want a semi-suspenseful crime thriller, no insanely twisted plot, just a good film to spend time watching with chips and pop, then this hits the mark.” Another fan on Reddit’s r/HenryCavill community wrote, “It’s nice to see Henry in a straight-up dramatic role as a regular person, rather than as one form of super-being or another.” These sentiments underscore Cavill’s ability to anchor the film, even amid its narrative flaws.

A Star-Studded Cast and Production Journey

Night Hunter boasts a remarkable cast that elevates its gritty premise. Ben Kingsley delivers a commanding performance as Michael Cooper, a former judge turned vigilante who uses extreme methods to catch predators. Alexandra Daddario’s Rachel Chase brings a cerebral edge as a psychologist trying to unravel the suspect’s psyche, while Stanley Tucci’s Commissioner Harper provides a steady, authoritative presence. Brendan Fletcher’s portrayal of Simon Stulls is particularly noteworthy, with fans and critics praising his unsettling performance as the enigmatic suspect. Supporting roles by Nathan Fillion, Minka Kelly, and others add depth to the ensemble, though some reviewers felt the script didn’t fully utilize the talent on display.

The film’s production began in February 2017 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and wrapped by April of that year. Announced in early 2017, the project quickly assembled its high-profile cast, with Cavill, Kingsley, and Daddario signing on in February, followed by Tucci, Kelly, and Fillion in March. Directed by David Raymond, who also wrote the screenplay, Night Hunter premiered at the LA Film Festival on September 28, 2018, under its original title, Nomis. It was later released on video-on-demand by DirecTV on August 8, 2019, and theatrically by Saban Films on September 6, 2019. Despite the star power and festival buzz, the film struggled at the box office, grossing just $1 million against its budget, making it a commercial disappointment.

Critical Reception and Streaming Resurgence

Upon its release, Night Hunter faced harsh criticism, earning a 14% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 35 reviews, with an average score of 4/10. The site’s critical consensus reads, “Contrived and cliched, Night Hunter wastes a solid cast in pursuit of action-adventure thrills that stubbornly refuse to materialize.” Reviewers like Roger Moore of Movie Nation called it “cracked and incoherent,” criticizing its convoluted plot and illogical turns, while Justin Lowe of The Hollywood Reporter noted that its references to iconic thrillers like Se7en only highlighted its shortcomings. Metacritic echoed this sentiment, assigning a score of 31/100 based on 10 reviews, indicating “generally unfavorable reviews.”

However, audiences have been more forgiving, awarding the film a 51% on Rotten Tomatoes’ Popcornmeter. Many viewers appreciated the strong performances and gripping moments, with one IMDb user describing it as “a good movie that kind of sneaks up on you.” Others compared it to Silence of the Lambs for its cat-and-mouse dynamic, praising Brendan Fletcher’s standout performance and the film’s intense pacing. Social media posts on X reflect similar enthusiasm, with fans calling it “underrated” and “a phenomenal film” despite its flaws.

The film’s fortunes have improved significantly in the streaming era. Night Hunter has climbed global charts on Paramount+, ranking as high as #8, and its upcoming availability on Tubi starting August 1, 2025, is expected to introduce it to a wider audience. This resurgence mirrors Cavill’s other projects, such as Argylle and The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, which found success on streaming platforms despite lackluster theatrical runs. The renewed interest in Night Hunter suggests it’s gaining cult status, particularly among Cavill’s dedicated fanbase, affectionately dubbed “The Cavillry.”

Cavill’s Career Evolution: Beyond Superman

Night Hunter arrived during a pivotal moment in Henry Cavill’s career. By 2019, he was still synonymous with Superman, having portrayed the character in Man of Steel (2013), Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), and Justice League (2017). However, the DC Extended Universe’s reboot under James Gunn, with David Corenswet cast as the new Superman, marked the end of Cavill’s tenure as the Man of Steel. Similarly, his departure from The Witcher after three seasons—reportedly due to creative differences with the show’s writers—signaled a shift toward new opportunities.

Cavill has since embraced a diverse slate of projects that showcase his versatility. He’s set to lead the highly anticipated Highlander reboot, directed by John Wick creator Chad Stahelski, which recently moved from Lionsgate to Amazon MGM Studios’ United Artists. The project, now in production, aims to expand the franchise into a potential series, with filming expected to begin in September 2025 for a 2026 release. Cavill will also reunite with director Guy Ritchie and co-star Eiza González for In the Grey, an action thriller about extraction specialists, alongside Jake Gyllenhaal. Additionally, he’s attached to Amazon’s live-action Voltron adaptation, directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber, and will reprise his role as Sherlock Holmes in Enola Holmes 3 on Netflix with Millie Bobby Brown.

Cavill’s recent roles reflect his ability to pivot between genres, from action (The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare) to comedy (Argylle) to drama (Night Hunter). His cameo as a Wolverine variant in Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) further demonstrated his willingness to embrace fan-service moments while exploring new creative avenues. Despite box-office disappointments like Argylle, which grossed under $100 million against a $200 million budget, Cavill’s streaming success underscores his enduring appeal. As one X post noted, “Henry Cavill left The Witcher himself because the writers hated the books and ruined the series… and you’ll get his first look as Highlander in early September.”

Why Night Hunter Deserves a Second Look

Despite its critical drubbing, Night Hunter offers plenty for viewers to appreciate. The film’s strengths lie in its stellar cast and Cavill’s commanding performance, which grounds the story’s darker themes. The psychological interplay between Marshall and Simon, coupled with the moral complexities of Cooper’s vigilante justice, creates a gripping narrative that resonates with fans of crime thrillers. While the script’s convoluted nature and pacing issues prevent it from reaching the heights of its inspirations, the film’s raw intensity and standout moments—like Fletcher’s chilling performance—make it a worthwhile watch.

The upcoming Tubi release provides an accessible opportunity for audiences to rediscover Night Hunter. As a free streaming platform, Tubi caters to viewers seeking hidden gems, and the film’s recent streaming success on Paramount+ suggests it’s finding a new audience. For Cavill fans, Night Hunter offers a chance to see the actor in a grounded, dramatic role that contrasts with his larger-than-life characters. The film’s exploration of justice, morality, and human fragility, while imperfect, adds depth to its action-packed framework.

Conclusion

Night Hunter may not have been a critical or commercial success upon its 2019 release, but its upcoming availability on Tubi starting August 1, 2025, offers a fresh chance to appreciate Henry Cavill’s gripping performance as Detective Walter Marshall. With a stellar cast, including Ben Kingsley, Alexandra Daddario, and Stanley Tucci, and a premise that blends psychological tension with action, the film is a flawed but compelling addition to the thriller genre. As Cavill continues to redefine his career with projects like Highlander, In the Grey, and Enola Holmes 3, Night Hunter serves as a reminder of his versatility and enduring star power. Whether you’re a die-hard member of “The Cavillry” or simply a fan of gritty crime dramas, Night Hunter is worth a watch when it hits Tubi’s free streaming catalog.