Night Tide

About the film
It’s a classic story: boy meets girl, girl claims to be a murderous mermaid, townsfolk start disappearing one by one...

That’s the premise of Night Tide, a beautiful low-budget gem from 1961 by director Curtis Harrington. What makes the film so striking is its suggestive, unsettling atmosphere. Is it a doomed romance? A fairy tale–like horror noir? A psychological thriller? A queer-coded portrait of loneliness? Or perhaps all of the above — steeped in mystery, melancholy, and existential unease. Comparisons to Val Lewton’s subtle masterpiece Cat People are more than justified.

Harrington came from an avant-garde background, collaborating with Kenneth Anger (he appeared in Inauguration of the Pleasure Dome, 1954) and mainly making experimental shorts. His love for 1930s Universal horror and Lewton’s films inspired him to create his first feature. Shot on a shoestring budget of $75,000, Night Tide makes brilliant use of the faded glory of Santa Monica’s seaside town.

Dennis Hopper stars in his very first lead role as Johnny, a lonely sailor who falls for the mysterious Mora. His naturalistic acting stands in stark contrast to the wooden performances around him, highlighting his character’s confusion and isolation. The result is a film with a lingering, unmistakably Lynchian vibe.

About Milan W.
Milan W. (aka Milan Warmoeskerken) is one of the most creative and industrious musical minds in Antwerp. As a guitarist, he plays in cult bands like Condor Gruppe and Flying Horseman. He also made a name for himself with ambient and avant-garde electronics on labels like Ekster and JJ Funhouse, refined synthpop with Mittland Och Leo, and even a Schlager project with visual artist Gerard Herman.

His solo album Leave Another Day (Stroom) caught everyone off guard: a melancholic breakup record full of acoustic guitar songs, intimate crooning and dreamy, hazy pop. Pitchfork, Boomkat and co were full of praise — and we wouldn’t be surprised if this album ends up being hailed as one of the greatest Belgian records of all time.

What he’ll do with Night Tide? That remains a mystery. But if there’s anyone who can translate the film’s wistfulness intoin de music, it’s him.