Midnight Special, film review: Frustrating and fascinating plot draws you in
(12A) Jeff Nichols, 112 mins, starring: Michael Shannon, Kirsten Dunst, Jaeden Lieberher, Adam Driver
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Midnight Special is an eerie and shape-shifting film, pitched between thriller about child abduction, study of a religious cult, family drama and Close Encounters-style sci-fi yarn. Writer director Jeff Nichols deliberately keeps the storytelling opaque. That's what makes the film frustrating but also ever more fascinating.
Michael Shannon plays Ray, the father who takes his eight year old son Alton (Lieberher) on the run. Everyone is after them - FBI analysts (Adam Driver in a very different groove from Star Wars), the NSA, cops, the members of the strange cult where Sam Shepard is the preacher. The boy has uncanny powers but is very frail.
Nichols' trick is to treat outlandish subject matter in matter of fact fashion. Much of the action here takes place in motel rooms or garage forecourts. Shannon plays Ray in intense but restrained fashion, as a father desperate to protect his son. This is a film that draws you in even as it perplexes you and that ultimately has a very strong emotional kick.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments