Terror in the Midnight Sun
Terror in the Midnight Sun

Movie spotlight

Terror in the Midnight Sun

1959
Movie
73 min
English

After a herd of reindeer are mysteriously found dead following a meteor crash in a remote part of Lapland in northern Sweden, soldiers and a geologist are called out to investigate.

Insights

IMDb5.3/10
Director: Arne MattssonGenres: Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller

Plot Summary

During a scientific expedition in the Swedish Arctic, a group of scientists and military personnel encounter a mysterious, extraterrestrial object that crashes into the ice. As they investigate the anomaly, they discover it harbors a hostile alien life form. The situation escalates into a desperate fight for survival as the alien begins to hunt them one by one in the desolate, frozen landscape.

Critical Reception

Terror in the Midnight Sun, also known by its original Swedish title 'Vargtimmen' (The Hour of the Wolf), is a Swedish-Italian co-production that received mixed to negative reviews upon its release. While it has gained some cult following over the years for its atmospheric tension and early exploration of alien invasion themes, it is often criticized for its slow pacing, dated special effects, and sometimes confusing narrative.

What Reviewers Say

  • Appreciated for its atmospheric and suspenseful build-up in the isolated Arctic setting.

  • Criticized for its lack of compelling character development and dated visual effects.

  • Seen as an ambitious, albeit flawed, entry into the early science fiction and horror genres.

Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce due to the film's niche appeal and age, with those available often noting its historical significance as an early sci-fi/horror film but also pointing out its pacing issues and rudimentary effects.

Awards & Accolades

None notable.

Fun Fact

The film was originally directed by Ingmar Bergman under the title 'Vargtimmen' (The Hour of the Wolf) and was later re-edited and re-released internationally as 'Terror in the Midnight Sun' with additional scenes and a different plot emphasis, sometimes leading to confusion about its authorship and original intent.

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