Provided is a composition comprising a nonmicellar twisted nematic liquid crystal having cholesteric near infrared-reflecting properties and at least one near infrared absorptive material. This composition reduces the transmission of near infrared radiation. The composition can be used as a layer, optionally in conjunction with polymeric films, polymeric sheets, rigid sheets, and the like, to form multilayer laminates. In some embodiments these multilayer laminates are useful as solar control windows or window films to reduce energy consumption necessary to cool the interior of a structure such as an automobile or building.