It is very hard to do this episode justice in a review - I think you simply have to watch it for yourself. I loved it from start to finish, and the contrast at the start between Dennis Lawson's calmness and the frantic ineptitude of the would-be art thieves was a joy, with the soundtrack of Rachmaninov working perfectly as a backdrop to their exploits. The segment about text messages had me laughing out loud. The lack of spoken dialogue became a strength, not a weakness; with the non-stop action ensuring that your attention is held all the way through. Half way through with the introduction of Oona Chaplin, things notched up a gear and art theft ceased to be the only crime on the menu. I won't say any more but if you're a dog lover - you might like to have a pillow to hide behind. This is comedy with a heart of darkness, and all the better for it. Last but not least - I want that house! Although I might do a bit of spring cleaning under the beds before I moved in...
16 Reviews
Subtle, unique, truly brilliant.
Sleepin_Dragon10 October 2018
This was a real gamble, and boy did it pay off. A Quiet Night in is a truly wonderful black comedy, how brave to play out a virtually silent drama. The acting, writing, direction, humour are all on point. It's very slapstick in its approach, with the gags a little signposted at times. Dennis Lawson is brilliant, he almost underplays the great role he's given. Plaudits I think go to the wonderful Kayvan Novak who gives a brilliant performance. Inside no.9 has always been unique, and this is a standout episode. 9/10
One of the best pieces of television I've seen in a long time
lucasade200313 August 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Less is More
matjpi7 March 2014
Warning: Spoilers
If you saw Steve Pemberton in Benidorm you'll know that he has some great comic expressions. Yet in this he finds another level and mines it completely.
This is my first time seeing Reece Shearsmith and I was impressed by how well he and Pemberton work together.
The little touches multiply it all out from Pemberton's bobbing head as he tries to run quietly upstairs, his shamefaced eyes after the dog-window incident and Shearsmith's exasperation since he's the only one of the pair with a businesslike approach to the job and he's partnered with a dolt. Gerald (Dennis Lawson) discovering that one cupboard is full of housemaid as he tries to hide his girlfriend and, with a slight shrug, switching to the other cupboard.
The timings are impeccable and when Pemberton and Shearsmith synchronise their movements the effect is splendid. Though it was not an homage to the silent era - to which at least one of the cast has a blood-connection - it showed every bit of respect and understanding of how those early days founded the grammar used in this. The camera work was solid; close up shots magnify small facial expressions and it's easy to over-articulate in a tight framed shot and these guys were so animated that it had to be mostly long-shots which heightened the comic effect. The arrival of Paul (Kayvan Novak) seemed like an intrusion - as indeed it was - but Novak played the role so well that he was soon a valued member of the party.
To play so many visual gags and wrap them up in/connect them with so little dialogue and still keep it funny is not as easy as this piece makes it look.
It seems churlish to be critical of the piece. But the trans-gender twist merely to set up the under-bed gag should have hit the cutting-room floor. Oona Chaplin is so feminine and shapely and the stand-in so obviously was neither that it was more than a stretch of credulity.
Some people apparently took issue with the dog scene which they felt was distressing and also the gun-play. Well, this is billed as a black comedy not some fuzzy-fold-farm Disney fest. In fact if they had seen the first episode and how that ended they'd have had some serious chills run down their back.
Indeed this might be the funniest - or least dark - of the set. These guys are tremendous writers and this stuff is really really good.
More please chaps! (P.S. Steve; please wear those teeth for your award acceptance speech).
This is my first time seeing Reece Shearsmith and I was impressed by how well he and Pemberton work together.
The little touches multiply it all out from Pemberton's bobbing head as he tries to run quietly upstairs, his shamefaced eyes after the dog-window incident and Shearsmith's exasperation since he's the only one of the pair with a businesslike approach to the job and he's partnered with a dolt. Gerald (Dennis Lawson) discovering that one cupboard is full of housemaid as he tries to hide his girlfriend and, with a slight shrug, switching to the other cupboard.
The timings are impeccable and when Pemberton and Shearsmith synchronise their movements the effect is splendid. Though it was not an homage to the silent era - to which at least one of the cast has a blood-connection - it showed every bit of respect and understanding of how those early days founded the grammar used in this. The camera work was solid; close up shots magnify small facial expressions and it's easy to over-articulate in a tight framed shot and these guys were so animated that it had to be mostly long-shots which heightened the comic effect. The arrival of Paul (Kayvan Novak) seemed like an intrusion - as indeed it was - but Novak played the role so well that he was soon a valued member of the party.
To play so many visual gags and wrap them up in/connect them with so little dialogue and still keep it funny is not as easy as this piece makes it look.
It seems churlish to be critical of the piece. But the trans-gender twist merely to set up the under-bed gag should have hit the cutting-room floor. Oona Chaplin is so feminine and shapely and the stand-in so obviously was neither that it was more than a stretch of credulity.
Some people apparently took issue with the dog scene which they felt was distressing and also the gun-play. Well, this is billed as a black comedy not some fuzzy-fold-farm Disney fest. In fact if they had seen the first episode and how that ended they'd have had some serious chills run down their back.
Indeed this might be the funniest - or least dark - of the set. These guys are tremendous writers and this stuff is really really good.
More please chaps! (P.S. Steve; please wear those teeth for your award acceptance speech).
This is genre defining
eppingdrwho28 January 2020
Within a mere thirty mins the writers manage to create a story which is brilliantly self-contained, paying homage to the slapstick comedy gold of the 1910s/1920s. The modern setting of the story plays well against the format of a silent movie. Pure genius!
No subtitles necessary
safenoe24 November 2020
This episode has universal appeal, and Oona Chaplin's appearance is a treat, where A Quite Night In could be a homage to Charlie Chaplin himself. I like Denis Lawson (New Tricks) and he strikes the right note in the second episode of Inside No. 9.
All credit to the location manager for finding the house for filming this intricate episode.
All credit to the location manager for finding the house for filming this intricate episode.
A Quiet Night
Prismark104 November 2018
This is a tribute to silent comedy. It really is a modern and darker version of a Laurel & Hardy short. Just to ramp it up a bit more, one of the performer's Oona Chaplin is the granddaughter of Charlie Chaplin.
Shearsmith and Pemberton play, Ray and Eddie who are two inept burglars breaking into a modernist mansion to steal postmodern art.
The owner is having a fraught argument with his partner while the maid carries on with her business. Ray and Eddie weave between all this but they are just incompetent. Setting off the security lights, alerting the dog even leaving the painting lying around.
There are twists and turns and the slapstick is really so well done. All the performers just pitch it right.
I would raise issue of the arrival of the Kayvan Novak character which stuck a false note. He is playing a deaf and dumb goods vendor. What would he be doing knocking on the door at that time of the evening?
Shearsmith and Pemberton play, Ray and Eddie who are two inept burglars breaking into a modernist mansion to steal postmodern art.
The owner is having a fraught argument with his partner while the maid carries on with her business. Ray and Eddie weave between all this but they are just incompetent. Setting off the security lights, alerting the dog even leaving the painting lying around.
There are twists and turns and the slapstick is really so well done. All the performers just pitch it right.
I would raise issue of the arrival of the Kayvan Novak character which stuck a false note. He is playing a deaf and dumb goods vendor. What would he be doing knocking on the door at that time of the evening?
Cruel, Cruel Love
southdavid27 June 2021
Second up, came the episode that perhaps is "Inside Number 9's" most popular and memorable episodes and an immediate display of the variety that the show would go on to offer.
Two burglars, Eddie (Steve Pemberton) and Ray (Reece Shearsmith) attempt to silently break into the isolated house of Gerald (Denis Lawson) to steal a painting. But they have chosen a poor night to attempt their crime, as Gerald is joined at home by his maid Kim (Joyce Veheary) and his girlfriend Sabrina (Oona Chaplin) who over the course of that evening, decides to end the relationship.
Almost entirely without dialogue "A Quiet Night In" uses a variety of other methods to get its story across, including mime, slapstick and the score. The burglars are more bungling than vicious and their ability to stay hidden rather than try and subdue the household comes to the fore. Lawson and Chaplin are in a different story entirely, an older man whose younger lover is bored with him and though reconciliation seems temporarily in the air, the night ends in violence. Then Kayvan Novak arrives, as a "deaf and dumb" (the shows words) character, selling cleaning products. The twist involving him doesn't really stand up to much scrutiny, if you give it any serious consideration, but it is unexpected when it comes.
Desperately funny but still with the prerequisite darkness it was a killer start to this first season.
Two burglars, Eddie (Steve Pemberton) and Ray (Reece Shearsmith) attempt to silently break into the isolated house of Gerald (Denis Lawson) to steal a painting. But they have chosen a poor night to attempt their crime, as Gerald is joined at home by his maid Kim (Joyce Veheary) and his girlfriend Sabrina (Oona Chaplin) who over the course of that evening, decides to end the relationship.
Almost entirely without dialogue "A Quiet Night In" uses a variety of other methods to get its story across, including mime, slapstick and the score. The burglars are more bungling than vicious and their ability to stay hidden rather than try and subdue the household comes to the fore. Lawson and Chaplin are in a different story entirely, an older man whose younger lover is bored with him and though reconciliation seems temporarily in the air, the night ends in violence. Then Kayvan Novak arrives, as a "deaf and dumb" (the shows words) character, selling cleaning products. The twist involving him doesn't really stand up to much scrutiny, if you give it any serious consideration, but it is unexpected when it comes.
Desperately funny but still with the prerequisite darkness it was a killer start to this first season.
Tooooo hilarious
LyricalBiz28 October 2020
Despite a underwhelming twist this is a sublime silent black comedy
The-Last-Prydonian3 February 2018
Ray and Eddie are two incompetent burglars who are attempting to break into the remote mansion of the reclusive millionaire; Gerald who lives with his considerably younger wife; Sabrina. Their objective is to steal a priceless painting but inevitably a series of mishaps including one of Gerald's dogs and attempting to evade being seen by his housekeeper get in their way. Meanwhile, the millionaire and his wife eventually have a domestic argument, totally oblivious to what's occurring around them.
After the previous week's premiere episode; Sardines which superbly set the dark and twisted tone for the series, as well as the bar for the standard it should set, Messrs Shearsmith and Permberton admirably, chose already take it in another novel direction with; A Quiet Night In. Its conceit is that the vast majority of the episode is dialogue-free and essentially therefore a silent comedy. Overall lighter in tone than; Sardines, a fact punctuated via our first comedic introduction to inept burglars, Ray and Eddie as a security light illuminates them as they sneak their way up to millionaire Gerald's mansion, while he sits down to a bowl of soup. It's an infectious moment that sets the scene rather nicely, and what soon follows is a sublime exercise in physical comedy and buffoonery. Forgoing the more elaborate silent slapstick humor of legendary icons of the genre; Charlie Chaplin (whose granddaughter Oona coincidentally features as Gerald's Trophy Wife; Sabrina) and Buster Keaton, they wisely keep things simple due to the constrictive structure of its minimalistic setting.
While the dialogue is practically non-existent, Shearsmith and Pemberton do afford themselves something of a cheat with the utilization of mobile phones early on in proceedings with the text dialogue appearing visibly on screen. It matters little if at all, and you're quite happy to afford them some leeway given it provides one of the neat little set pieces of simplistic humor. It does mean however that it also profits from the use of sound effects that were universally absent from the classic silent comedies of the 1920s and 30s.
Undeniably though; both actors display their proficiency for physical humor, and they spark off one another wonderfully given the self-imposed restrictions. It's a testament to their coequal talents not only as thespians but as writers that they pull off what is unreservedly a consummate half-hour of black comedy. Throwing in obstacles that include the tried and tested hindrance' of a pet dog that was used to similarly blackly comical effect with; There's Something About Mary and the more obscure; Briefest Encounter which was an episode of the 90's British TV comedy series; Rik Mayall Presents, they slyly subvert expectations by adding another unanticipated complication to the mix. And with the adage of Oriental housekeeper Kim's perpetual presence, she merely contributes to the light-hearted setbacks that befall our two anti-heroes.
For all of its lighter tone, this outing still exhibits a darker edge with a sudden reveal bringing an unforeseen perspective to Gerald and Paula's relationship which in itself takes a grim turn. But as late American comedian and actor; Jerry Lewis once shrewdly observed there's no gap between tragedy, and comedy and it's a sentiment that both Shearsmith and Pemberton adhere to as their protagonists (or should that be antagonists?) bungle their way to the stories downbeat climax that affords the only spoken line of dialogue (a likely nod to Mel Brookes's; Silent Movie and maybe; The Artist) to one of the guest cast which subsequently follows a somewhat underwhelming final twist. It's something that can be forgiven however and it is merely a minor drawback to what is an otherwise inspired half-hour of black, silent comedy.
With no shortage of kudos going to veteran Scots actor Denis Lawson (The Uncle of one Ewan McGregor) and of course Oona Chaplin in their respective supporting roles, with former Fonejacker co-creator and voice actor; Kayvan Novak providing further solid support in a brief surprise appearance; A Quiet Night In pathed the way for further forays in to innovative risk-taking that they would with future episodes like; The Devil of Christmas, Zanzibar and Once Removed. However, in terms of originality and sheer genius, I think the last which takes some beating it still doesn't take away from the brilliance of this offering.
After the previous week's premiere episode; Sardines which superbly set the dark and twisted tone for the series, as well as the bar for the standard it should set, Messrs Shearsmith and Permberton admirably, chose already take it in another novel direction with; A Quiet Night In. Its conceit is that the vast majority of the episode is dialogue-free and essentially therefore a silent comedy. Overall lighter in tone than; Sardines, a fact punctuated via our first comedic introduction to inept burglars, Ray and Eddie as a security light illuminates them as they sneak their way up to millionaire Gerald's mansion, while he sits down to a bowl of soup. It's an infectious moment that sets the scene rather nicely, and what soon follows is a sublime exercise in physical comedy and buffoonery. Forgoing the more elaborate silent slapstick humor of legendary icons of the genre; Charlie Chaplin (whose granddaughter Oona coincidentally features as Gerald's Trophy Wife; Sabrina) and Buster Keaton, they wisely keep things simple due to the constrictive structure of its minimalistic setting.
While the dialogue is practically non-existent, Shearsmith and Pemberton do afford themselves something of a cheat with the utilization of mobile phones early on in proceedings with the text dialogue appearing visibly on screen. It matters little if at all, and you're quite happy to afford them some leeway given it provides one of the neat little set pieces of simplistic humor. It does mean however that it also profits from the use of sound effects that were universally absent from the classic silent comedies of the 1920s and 30s.
Undeniably though; both actors display their proficiency for physical humor, and they spark off one another wonderfully given the self-imposed restrictions. It's a testament to their coequal talents not only as thespians but as writers that they pull off what is unreservedly a consummate half-hour of black comedy. Throwing in obstacles that include the tried and tested hindrance' of a pet dog that was used to similarly blackly comical effect with; There's Something About Mary and the more obscure; Briefest Encounter which was an episode of the 90's British TV comedy series; Rik Mayall Presents, they slyly subvert expectations by adding another unanticipated complication to the mix. And with the adage of Oriental housekeeper Kim's perpetual presence, she merely contributes to the light-hearted setbacks that befall our two anti-heroes.
For all of its lighter tone, this outing still exhibits a darker edge with a sudden reveal bringing an unforeseen perspective to Gerald and Paula's relationship which in itself takes a grim turn. But as late American comedian and actor; Jerry Lewis once shrewdly observed there's no gap between tragedy, and comedy and it's a sentiment that both Shearsmith and Pemberton adhere to as their protagonists (or should that be antagonists?) bungle their way to the stories downbeat climax that affords the only spoken line of dialogue (a likely nod to Mel Brookes's; Silent Movie and maybe; The Artist) to one of the guest cast which subsequently follows a somewhat underwhelming final twist. It's something that can be forgiven however and it is merely a minor drawback to what is an otherwise inspired half-hour of black, silent comedy.
With no shortage of kudos going to veteran Scots actor Denis Lawson (The Uncle of one Ewan McGregor) and of course Oona Chaplin in their respective supporting roles, with former Fonejacker co-creator and voice actor; Kayvan Novak providing further solid support in a brief surprise appearance; A Quiet Night In pathed the way for further forays in to innovative risk-taking that they would with future episodes like; The Devil of Christmas, Zanzibar and Once Removed. However, in terms of originality and sheer genius, I think the last which takes some beating it still doesn't take away from the brilliance of this offering.
Sublime
peterkirk-5090220 February 2020
one of the best
frank-340-8318309 June 2022
If you watched episode 1 and weren't that impressed - make sure to watch episode 2 - this one is a treat and shows how clever this show can be. If you only watch one episode - then this should be it. Clever, funny and more.
The show exercises its funny bone.
GiraffeDoor27 March 2020
Less wyrd fiction, more like an episode of a ghoulish sitcom but none the worst for that. These first two episodes nicely established the show's range in tone.
A silent narrative of desperate stealth unfolds in an evening with already more than enough disruption. There is not a dull moment as we keep seeing our anti-heroes almost get caught. Like a lot of episodes, the disturbing effect lies in how it almost feels exactly like sincere comedy and we've hit the mother load in visual storytelling.
I felt a bit peeved at the ending but it didn't ruin my memory of the episode the way others did.
A silent narrative of desperate stealth unfolds in an evening with already more than enough disruption. There is not a dull moment as we keep seeing our anti-heroes almost get caught. Like a lot of episodes, the disturbing effect lies in how it almost feels exactly like sincere comedy and we've hit the mother load in visual storytelling.
I felt a bit peeved at the ending but it didn't ruin my memory of the episode the way others did.
Was laughing until...
tarnishedhalotx3 June 2020
Animal cruelty is not funny & sick of it being portrayed as such. You wonder why there are videos on YouTube of people torturing animals, why torture porn is on the rise, it's because of every day mainstream media normalizing it & it's disgusting. People who torture animals are more likely to have a disregard for human suffering & may eventually move on to humans. See the signs people! This is a perfect example of desensitization, because you're laughing, then something horrible happens, but you're still experiencing the endorphins, the feel good from laughter.
It takes a special kind of comedy writing to make me laugh, and this one had me laughing nonstop !
lindasue-5013311 February 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Oh. My. Goodness! I can't stop laughing! I know it's a cliché, but "I can't remember when I laughed so much" in any show!
S P O I L E R
A L E R T ... That was, until the end lol.
I think it was an excellent production, and one of the best pieces of comedy I've ever seen.
It would've been better in my opinion if they had maintained it to the end, because it was just so incredibly funny. It deserves 10 stars, so it's a question of preference. Lost one star for the ending. Don't get me wrong, it's highly effective but I wish they would've stuck with the winning comedy formula.
I discovered actor Steve Pemberton relatively recently in streaming platforms in older shows he was in. I look forward to anything that he's in as I always enjoy him as an actor. And I think it was such a cool touch to have Charlie Chaplin's daughter in this.
Looking forward to viewing all episodes in this series! So far, they're two for two.
S P O I L E R
A L E R T ... That was, until the end lol.
I think it was an excellent production, and one of the best pieces of comedy I've ever seen.
It would've been better in my opinion if they had maintained it to the end, because it was just so incredibly funny. It deserves 10 stars, so it's a question of preference. Lost one star for the ending. Don't get me wrong, it's highly effective but I wish they would've stuck with the winning comedy formula.
I discovered actor Steve Pemberton relatively recently in streaming platforms in older shows he was in. I look forward to anything that he's in as I always enjoy him as an actor. And I think it was such a cool touch to have Charlie Chaplin's daughter in this.
Looking forward to viewing all episodes in this series! So far, they're two for two.
Hilarious, tender, violent silent comedy
norxilla7 March 2024
Warning: Spoilers
It is challenging to do a mostly silent episode. Setting, props and unspoken communication is integral in telling the story. The slapstick gags were well written and well executed. The pacing is well-balanced, eased in at the start with all action taking place in the same location. As the plot builds, characters split off into different rooms, cutting between them with increasing tempo. All this to hold the audience's attention and have a natural build up to the climax.
They take care to consistently justify why the episode must be silent. A brilliant episode following 'Sardines' that consists mostly of dialogue between many characters. A great example of Reece and Steve's versatility as writers and actors. Bravo!
They take care to consistently justify why the episode must be silent. A brilliant episode following 'Sardines' that consists mostly of dialogue between many characters. A great example of Reece and Steve's versatility as writers and actors. Bravo!
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