It's been a slow burn of promotional material for HBO as they've tried building interest for their limited series THE NIGHT OF, which premieres in mid-July on the cable network. We've gotten the slightest of glimpses at what the series is about, but, in typical teaser fashion, it's been enough to pique one's curiosity. Clearly something went wrong one night between this guy in custody and this woman who isn't around anymore and is the focal point of a criminal investiation, but, beyond that… HBO wants you to tune in and watch the mystery unfold.
Now we have a longer trailer for THE NIGHT OF, which HBO rolled out last night during their Sunday night line-up, and while they are still careful not to reveal too much, it's amazing how effective the tone of what we're being shown is in grabbing my attention. I know so little of THE NIGHT OF, and yet feel compelled to check it out when it launches on Sunday, July 10 at 10 p.m. That's marketing done well.
Starring John Turturro and Riz Ahmed, and directed by Zaillian from teleplays by Price and Zaillian, THE NIGHT OF delves into the intricacies of a complex New York City murder case with cultural and political overtones. The story examines the police investigation, the legal proceedings, the criminal justice system and the feral purgatory of Rikers Island, where the accused await trial for felony crimes.