Watch Midnight Special

When you first hear the title "Midnight Special," you might not have any idea what to expect. But as soon as you start watching the 2016 film, directed by Jeff Nichols, you'll realize that it's a sci-fi movie with a heart. This sci-fi thriller follows a father, Roy (Michael Shannon), as he tries to protect his son, Alton (Jaeden Martell), who has mysterious abilities that could change the world as we know it.

At the beginning of the movie, we see Roy and his friend Lucas (Joel Edgerton) as they make a late-night getaway with Alton, who they have taken from a religious cult. Alton has been living with the cult, which believes that he is a prophet, but Roy knows that there's more to Alton's abilities than they realize. They're on the run from the cult, as well as the FBI, who want to capture Alton and figure out what makes him so special.

As the trio races across America, they encounter dangerous obstacles and strange phenomena that only increase Alton's mystique. In the meantime, we learn about Roy's backstory and his relationship with Alton's mother, Sarah (Kirsten Dunst), who is still involved with the cult. We also see the FBI agent in charge of the case, Paul Sevier (Adam Driver), as he tries to figure out what's going on and why the cult and the government are so interested in Alton.

The tension throughout the film is palpable, thanks to Nichols' skillful direction and the excellent performances from the cast. Shannon is particularly impressive as a father who will do anything to protect his son, even if it means going against the law. Edgerton is also excellent as Lucas, a friend who has stuck by Roy through thick and thin. And Martell, who was only 12 at the time of filming, is a revelation as Alton, who has an otherworldly vibe that makes him both unsettling and sympathetic.

The film's special effects are also notable, as they're used sparingly but effectively. When we finally see Alton use his abilities, it's a sight to behold, and it's clear that the filmmakers put a lot of thought into how they would depict his powers. The film's score, by David Wingo, is also worth mentioning, as it adds to the film's sense of mystery and wonder.

One of the things that sets "Midnight Special" apart from other sci-fi movies is the way it balances genre elements with emotional storytelling. Yes, there are moments of action and suspense, but at its core, the film is about a father's love for his son and the lengths he will go to protect him. It's a universal theme that resonates, and it's what makes the film so compelling.

Another thing that sets the film apart is its ambiguity. Nichols doesn't spoon-feed the audience any answers, leaving much of Alton's backstory and abilities up to interpretation. Some viewers might find this frustrating, but others will appreciate the film's willingness to let the audience fill in the gaps. It's a bold move, and it pays off.

Overall, "Midnight Special" is a gripping sci-fi thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. But it's also a deeply human story about a father and his son, and it's that emotional core that makes the film so memorable. With excellent performances, stunning visuals, and a haunting score, it's a film that will stick with you long after the credits roll.

Midnight Special is a 2016 adventure movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 51 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6 and a MetaScore of 76.