Quick Info
Jeff Nichols’ “Midnight Special” is one of those indie sci-fi flicks that leans hard into weird ambiguity, and honestly, that alone kept me watching. The premise: a dad on the run with his mysterious son, who has some serious light-show powers and a cult plus the government both trailing close behind. It’s always on the edge of something huge—supernatural or spiritual or maybe just deeply personal.
The movie is tense but not in a cheap thriller way. The pacing is measured, sometimes downright slow, but I didn’t mind. It trusts you to stick with it, which I appreciated. Michael Shannon (always looking like he hasn’t slept in weeks) somehow makes his character feel both haunted and steadfast, and Jaeden Martell as the boy does this fragile, almost otherworldly calm that genuinely works.
There’s a very tactile, grounded feel to everything, which is rare for sci-fi. Roadside motels, dusty highways, radios crackling with late-night news—it’s more Americana fugitive drama than spaceships and lasers. Even the supernatural bits are shot in a matter-of-fact way, so when they happen, they really jolt. Adam Driver pops up as a government analyst and brings an off-kilter charm that gives some needed levity.
What worked best for me was how the film balanced uncertainty and faith. You never get the full picture, just pieces and hints, so you start guessing along with the characters. There’s something moving about parents sacrificing everything for their child’s future, even when that future is completely unknowable. The film’s refusal to explain everything is actually a strength, though I suspect it’ll frustrate anyone who likes their mysteries tied up with a neat little bow.
On the downside: yeah, it’s sometimes too vague. There are scenes that feel intentionally obtuse, and by the end, you’re left with big, gaping open questions. I totally get why some people came out of this movie feeling a little shortchanged. Also, there are long stretches where it threatens to get a bit ponderous if you’re not in the right mood for introspective sci-fi.
Still, I admire its confidence and how it feels both old-fashioned and fresh at the same time. It lingers with you, not just the visuals but the mood and the questions. It won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you like your sci-fi with a heavy dose of mystery and emotion, it’s worth the trip.
The R8 Take
Moody, enigmatic, and a bit slow, “Midnight Special” is for anyone who liked the vibe of “Looper” more than its plot twists. You’ll finish it with more questions than answers, but chances are you’ll be thinking about it for days.
