On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes website, the film holds an approval rating of 94% based on 47 reviews, with an average rating of 7.7/10. The website's critics consensus reads, "A grim, well-crafted thriller, The Night of the 12th takes a finely layered look at the toxic ripple effect of violence."[7]
Jordan Mintzer of The Hollywood Reporter wrote, "Alongside the two leads, the supporting cast of cops and potential culprits is a mix of unfamiliar yet highly credible faces, grounding the action in a gritty and disquieting reality."[2]
Lissa Nesselson of Screen Daily wrote a positive review of the film, writing, "A deft and satisfying police procedural in command of its unusual tone, The Night of the 12th [...] is perfectly cast and constructed with quietly thrilling rigour."[8]