When Night Is Falling

When Night Is Falling

Year: 1995

Runtime: 96 mins

Language: English

Director: Patricia Rozema

DramaRomanceMoving relationship storiesErotic relationships and desireEmotional LGBTQ relationships

A striking study of desire, the film follows Camille, a professor at a Protestant college in a long‑term partnership with Martin, a minister colleague. When she meets Petra, a flamboyant circus performer, Camille is irresistibly drawn to her. Pursuing Petra upends Camille’s life, forcing her to confront the conflict between duty and desire.

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Timeline & Setting – When Night Is Falling (1995)

Explore the full timeline and setting of When Night Is Falling (1995). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Contemporary

The film takes place in the present day, depicting modern societal issues such as sexuality and personal identity. It reflects current social dynamics, including the struggles with acceptance and the search for authentic self-expression in a contemporary setting.

Location

urban setting, circus environment

The movie is set primarily in an urban environment where Camille works and lives, as well as in the vibrant culture of a circus community. The city provides a backdrop for her professional and personal struggles, contrasting with the lively, nomadic world of the circus performers. The circus represents a place of freedom and self-discovery, standing out vividly against the city life.

🏙️ City 🎪 Circus 🏩 Urban

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:02

Main Characters – When Night Is Falling (1995)

Meet the key characters of When Night Is Falling (1995), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Camille Baker (Pascale Bussières)

Camille is a university literature professor facing internal conflict over her sexuality and personal desires. She is introspective, sensitive, and initially conflicted about her feelings, but gradually seeks authenticity and happiness. Her character embodies the struggle for self-acceptance in a conservative environment.

🌸 Intellectual 💔 Conflicted 🧗‍♀️ Self-discovery

Petra (Rachael Crawford)

Petra is a charismatic circus performer with a free-spirited and confident personality. She embodies freedom, passion, and emotional openness. Her boldness attracts Camille, and she acts as a catalyst for Camille’s journey towards self-acceptance.

🎭 Performer 🦋 Bold ❤️ Passionate

Martin (Henry Czerny)

Martin is Camille’s long-term partner and a university professor. He is traditional, stable, and initially unaware of Camille’s internal struggles. His character represents societal expectations and conventional relationships, contrasting with Camille’s evolving identity.

📚 Traditional 🤝 Loyal 🚧 Conventional

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:02

Major Themes – When Night Is Falling (1995)

Explore the central themes of When Night Is Falling (1995), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🌹 Love & Desire

The movie explores complex romantic and sexual relationships, focusing on Camille's evolving feelings for Petra and her internal conflict. It examines themes of passion, intimacy, and the personal journey toward embracing one’s true desires.

🦄 Freedom & Self-Discovery

Circus life symbolizes a world of liberation and authenticity, where characters seek to break free from societal expectations. Camille’s journey from conformity to embracing her true self underscores the theme of personal liberation.

🌲 Identity & Choice

The film delves into questions of personal identity, morality, and the choices characters make to live authentically. Camille's tension between societal expectations and her desires highlights the theme of discovering and accepting oneself.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:02

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When Night Is Falling Summary

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When Night Is Falling Summary

When Night Is Falling Timeline

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When Night Is Falling Timeline

When Night Is Falling Spoiler-Free Summary

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When Night Is Falling Spoiler-Free Summary

More About When Night Is Falling

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When Night Is Falling (1995) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

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