Watch Approaching Midnight

Approaching Midnight is a romantic drama film from 2013 that revolves around two characters, Army man and sharpshooter Staff Sergeant Wesley Kent (played by Sam Logan Khaleghi) and Samantha (played by Jana Kramer), a young woman who runs a local convenience store. The movie starts off with a military funeral where Wesley's best friend and fellow soldier is laid to rest. The scene sets the tone for the film, which gives glimpses of both characters' past and the challenges they face as they deal with loss and grief.

As the movie progresses, it becomes evident that Wesley is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to his service in Afghanistan, causing him to experience recurrent flashbacks and nightmares. He moves aimlessly from place to place without any sense of direction or purpose, trying to cope with his trauma. He ends up in a small town, where he chances upon Samantha, who is running her store while also taking care of her seriously ill mother. Although Wes initially appears disconnected and aloof, he soon finds himself drawn to Samantha, and the two begin a tentative romance.

As their love story unfolds, the audience is taken on a journey through the complexities of their past, their individual struggles, and their efforts to move on. The film effectively portrays the far-reaching effects of trauma, both on the individual and those around them. Wesley's struggles with PTSD are visible throughout the movie, with flashbacks and hallucinations making it clear to the audience that his trauma is still very real to him, even though he is no longer on the battlefield. The film also delves into the impact of grief, with Samantha struggling to come to terms with her mother's illness and her own mortality, while trying to maintain her composure and keep her business running.

The movie's themes of loss, trauma, and healing are explored through the lens of the relationship between Wesley and Samantha. Although their romance provides a much-needed source of comfort and stability, it is not without its difficulties. The film realistically portrays the challenges of navigating a relationship while dealing with personal struggles, and it is refreshing to see a character like Samantha who is strong and independent, yet vulnerable enough to be realistically portrayed as a relatable and empathetic character.

The movie's setting also contributes to its overall tone and mood. Set against the backdrop of a small town, Approaching Midnight captures the rhythm of life in a rural community, with its slow pace and interconnectedness. The film also makes use of the natural scenery, highlighting the beauty of the rural landscape and the sense of isolation that can come with living in a small community. The cinematography is skillfully done, and the music score is haunting, adding to the overall atmosphere and making the movie a visually and emotionally engaging experience.

In terms of the performances, Sam Logan Khaleghi delivers a strong performance as Wesley, effectively conveying the character's inner turmoil and conflicts. Jana Kramer's portrayal of Samantha is equally impressive, striking a balance between her character's vulnerability and strength. Brandon T. Jackson also delivers a solid performance as Lou, Wesley's fellow army veteran, and friend.

Overall, Approaching Midnight is a touching and poignant film that manages to tackle complex themes in a sensitive and thought-provoking way. While it is not without its flaws, the movie's strengths lie in its authentic portrayal of the struggles experienced by the characters, the realism of their relationships, and the quiet beauty of the setting. The film is a testament to the lasting impact of trauma and loss and the power of human connection to heal and provide hope for the future.

Approaching Midnight is a 2013 romance movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.4.