WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
Facing the unknown. It happens, in some way, every day we choose to get up, get ready, and walk out the door of our homes into the world at large. We might even think that we’re prepared to look the unexplainable in the eye, then render whatever notions about it we have at that moment. And sometimes, it isn’t us who needs assistance in dealing with what we find, but rather the enigma itself. Such is the case with a father, Roy (Michael Shannon), whose 8-year old son Alton (Jaeden Lieberher) happens to be one such mystery, endowed with otherworldly powers that only surface in certain situations, though once unleashed, create either chaos, worship, or unwanted curiosity.
On the run from a cult-like group run by Alton’s “stepfather” and calmly fanatical leader, Calvin Meyer (Sam Shepard), who sees Alton as a savior, while also dodging the FBI who see the boy as a possible weapon, Roy can only turn to the few people he trusts, namely childhood friend Lucas (Joel Edgerton) and Alton’s birthmother, Sarah (Kirsten Dunst). Feeling the pressure of not just their pursuers, but also of a specific date and location previously set where Alton needs to be, only an unlikely ally, NSA researcher Sevier (Adam Driver) manages to figure out the clues to their destination.
With time winding down, it becomes not just about protecting Alton, but of discovering Alton’s origins as well as a journey from reality into the fantastical.
Next, my Mind:
Writer/director Jeff Nichols, whose excellent effort “Mud” is on this reviewer’s favorites list, takes on a concept that is lightly reminiscent of “E.T.” thematically, but brings it into the modern age, changes the not-of-this-world visitor from an outright alien to a young boy, and wraps it all up in what is more straight forward drama with sci-fi elements than strictly sci-fi alone. Additionally, it is executed within the independent film style/arena, despite the backing of major studio Warner Brothers, and therefore has the tone, mood, delivery, and human aspect to it that often big studio productions can lack. Edgier and more grounded in scope, while still producing some amazing visuals to “wow” (but not overwhelm) the eyes at appropriate moments, this is a slow burn, but one well worth taking in.
Michael Shannon, while able to play extreme villains/unlikable people so well, always moreso impresses when simply enacting the “everyman” in an extraordinary situation, as is the case here. Emoting well but never overacting, the sincerity he brings across as Roy, a father just wanting what’s best for his son and willing to protect him at any cost, is noteworthy and believable. Likewise, Edgerton also takes on his “regular guy” role quite efficiently with Lucas, who’s loyal, willing to be there one hundred percent for his friend, plus take on anything that tries to hinder their journey. Finally, Lieberher does one incredible job at being both quietly powerful and loudly intense as Alton, infusing his character with an amazing sense of both self-awareness yet apprehensiveness as he find who he is.
With the solid supporting turns by Shepard, Driver, and Dunst, “Midnight Special” finally brings a bit of fresh life into another relatively tired genre and gives it a much needed indie film dose of character and commitment to story over effects and constant bombast. With a finale that pleases to top it off, it’s a hope there’s possibly more to come.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
