Midnight Special
Midnight Special

Midnight Special

2016Movie112 minEnglish

A father and son go on the run after the dad learns his child possesses special powers.

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Insights

IMDb6.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes74%
Metacritic75/100
Google Users75%
Director: Jeff NicholsGenres: Sci-Fi, Adventure, Drama, Mystery

Plot Summary

A father and mother go on the run with their young son, Alton, who possesses strange, powerful abilities. They must protect him from a militaristic cult that worships him and a government that wants to control him. As they evade capture, they uncover the truth about Alton's powers and his mysterious purpose.

Critical Reception

Midnight Special received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its ambitious storytelling, atmospheric direction by Jeff Nichols, and strong performances, particularly from Michael Shannon. While some found the pacing deliberate and the plot occasionally opaque, many appreciated its throwback sci-fi sensibility and emotional core.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its captivating visual style and intense atmosphere.
  • Applauded for its sensitive direction and compelling performances.
  • Noted for its thoughtful exploration of faith, family, and the unknown.

Google audience: Audience reviews largely highlight the film's engaging premise and strong acting, with many appreciating its unique blend of science fiction and drama. Some viewers found the narrative a bit slow or ambiguous, but the emotional resonance and distinctive style were frequently cited as positives.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for the Golden Bear at the 66th Berlin International Film Festival.

Fun Fact

The film was inspired by director Jeff Nichols' childhood memories of witnessing the alleged UFO landing near his home in Arkansas.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

3 reviews
heartly

heartly

Midnight Special is an entertaining Sci-fi flick that ultimately never reaches it's full potential. The father son on the run story is griping and well played with the talent of Michael Shannon who is believable as a father who will do anyt...
Gimly

Gimly

It's like _Donnie Darko_ and _Looper_ had a baby. A less talented baby, but still, pretty impressive. _Final rating:★★★½ - I strongly recommend you make the time._
Reno

Reno

> A secret road adventure during the dark hours! So the Jeff Nichols and Micahel Shannon saga continues. This is theirs 4th film together in the last nine years and all of them were well accepted. Now they are into sci-fi for this, which...