Martin Scorsese’s After Hours (1985) is a fever dream wrapped in a black comedy, a movie that dances on the line between absurdity and anxiety with style and wit. While often overlooked in conversations about Scorsese’s iconic works, this Kafkaesque odyssey through New York City’s SoHo neighborhood is a masterclass in storytelling and direction. It’s chaotic, relentless, and irresistibly captivating—much like the city it portrays.
The story follows Paul Hackett, played brilliantly by Griffin Dunne, an ordinary word processor whose impulsive decision to visit a quirky woman named Marcy (Rosanna Arquette) plunges him into a night of escalating misfortune. What starts as a simple hookup turns into an unrelenting spiral of bizarre encounters and near-escapes. From an S&M artist and a manic ice cream truck driver to an angry mob and mysterious keys, Paul’s journey is as unpredictable as it is hilarious.
Scorsese’s direction amplifies the madness. Working with cinematographer Michael Ballhaus, he uses dynamic camera movements and sharp edits to create a sense of disorientation. The SoHo of After Hours feels like a surreal labyrinth, where every corner hides a new challenge, and escape seems just out of reach. Objects like keys, clocks, and phones become symbols of Paul’s increasingly tenuous grasp on control, and the night itself feels like a character—menacing, unpredictable, and alive.
The supporting cast adds to the film’s brilliance. Linda Fiorentino, Catherine O’Hara, Teri Garr, and John Heard deliver scene-stealing performances that bring SoHo’s eclectic inhabitants to life. Each encounter is memorable, blending humor with a sense of menace that keeps viewers on edge. And Howard Shore’s sparse, eerie score perfectly complements the film’s nocturnal atmosphere.
But After Hours is more than a series of misadventures. It’s a reflection of Scorsese’s own state of mind at the time—a filmmaker grappling with professional setbacks and rediscovering his creative energy. This personal connection infuses the movie with an urgency and passion that make it resonate beyond its comedic surface.
Beyond its narrative, After Hours captures a New York City that no longer exists—a gritty, bohemian SoHo before gentrification transformed it into a playground for the wealthy. It’s a snapshot of a time when the city was raw, unpredictable, and teeming with artistic energy.
While it may not have the cultural footprint of Goodfellas or Taxi Driver, After Hours is a hidden treasure in Scorsese’s filmography. It’s a darkly comic ride through the absurdity of urban life, a reminder of how quickly the mundane can spiral into chaos. For anyone who’s ever had a night that went completely off the rails, this movie is your cinematic soulmate. From one superfan to another—don’t sleep on this gem. Watch it, embrace the madness, and enjoy the ride.
