The title makes this sound like a standard horror film (which might be why it didn't draw more fans of quality films at the multiplexes). What "Nightcrawler" really is, though, is a compelling exploration of tabloid culture in the form of one really creepy Jake Gyllenhaal. He plays a fringe dweller in modern L.A. who finds his calling as a videographer chasing down close-ups of nighttime crime. He sells his product to TV producer Rene Russo. Lots of ink was spelled on the fact that Gyllenhaal lost 30 pounds for the role, but the real news is what an amazing performance he gives: he deftly balances the character's weird, conflicting qualities - the business-speak geekiness, the dark humor, the unnerving aura. Writer-director Dan Gilroy is just as adept at keeping this drama complex and fascinating. "Nightcrawler" will haunt you, in a good way.

- KRISTINA DORSEY