Midnight Special - Film Review

Throughout the course of his career, Jeff Nichols has demonstrated an incredible talent for taking the ordinary and making it extraordinary. Midnight Special may be his most extraordinary film yet, delving into fantastical territory far more than his previous efforts. While it may be more outlandish than his previous offerings, Midnight Special is, at its core, a compelling, character-driven family drama. It’s also one of the best films of the year thus far - an absolute must-see.

Roy, played by the severely under-appreciated Michael Shannon, is attempting to rescue his 8-year-old son Alton from both the government and a mysterious cult that worships the boy. Alton, you see, is not quite normal. He has strange, otherworldly powers that have made him the subject of some scrutiny. Along for the ride is Roy’s childhood friend Lucas (Joel Edgerton), who serves as both their guide and bodyguard. Also caught up in the mix is NSA agent Paul Sevier (Adam Driver) who interviews members of the mysterious Alton-worshipping cult in an attempt to make sense of the madness that seems to follow in Alton’s wake.

Over the course of its runtime, Nichols keeps things grounded with slow, methodical pacing and beautiful imagery, wrapping his story in the sights and sounds of every-day life. When Alton performs one of his supernatural feats, it’s all the more believable because everything surrounding these jaw-dropping events feels so authentic. They feel that much more stunning as a result. Even when the plot grows more outlandish in its 3rd act, it’s easy to buy into because Nichols has done such a great job laying the solid groundwork of realism.

The cast only adds to the sense of believability. Michael Shannon, in his fourth collaboration with Nichols, continues to prove himself as one of the best working actors of this day-and-age. He is capable of conveying incredible depth with the subtlest of expressions and his performance is deeply moving. The rest of the cast follows Shannon’s lead, delivering in spades. As Lucas, Joel Edgerton is both tough and sympathetic. The young Jaeden Lieberher is a natural as Alton and Kirsten Dunst is quietly effective as Alton’s mother Sarah. Adam Driver’s trademark charm shines in his performance as Agent Sevier, taking what could have been a dull, one-note character and imbuing him with humanity and humor.

If there’s any fault to be found with Midnight Special, it’s in the script. Specifically the plotting. While we do learn a good deal about these characters and the events surrounding them, it’s almost not enough to fully satisfy. Nichols does a great job keeping up the aura of mystery, but by the time the film concludes, you may find yourself wishing he had been a bit more forthcoming. It’s one thing to be mysterious, it’s another to be vacant, and many pressing questions remain unanswered.

Don’t let this deter you from seeing it, however. Midnight Special is without question another success for Nichols, recalling the magic of Spielberg’s early films of the 70s and 80s. You might be a little confused by the time it’s over, but, more importantly, you will be amazed. And that's what going to the movies is all about.

FINAL RATING: 4.5/5