The Night Stalker (2016 film)

The Night Stalker is a 2016 American crime thriller film directed by Megan Griffiths and written by Chris Bavota and James Thomas. The film stars Lou Diamond Phillips as serial killer Richard Ramirez, also known as the "Night Stalker." It focuses on the perspective of Kit, a parole officer played by Bellamy Young, who is assigned to monitor Ramirez after he is transferred to San Quentin State Prison while awaiting trial.

The film explores the complex relationship between Kit and Ramirez, as she struggles to reconcile her professional obligations with her growing concern about his manipulative nature and potential for continued violence, even from behind bars. It attempts to portray the psychological impact of dealing with such a notorious criminal on Kit's personal life and her own moral compass.

The Night Stalker is not a documentary or a completely accurate portrayal of the actual events surrounding Richard Ramirez's life and crimes. It takes liberties with the timeline and details to create a fictionalized narrative focused on the psychological elements of the story. The film received mixed reviews, with some critics praising Phillips's performance and the suspenseful atmosphere, while others criticized the screenplay and perceived inaccuracies in the portrayal of Ramirez.