Watch Terror in the Midnight Sun - 1958 - Remastered Edition
- 2007
- 1 hr 11 min
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3.7 (1,257)
Terror in the Midnight Sun is a classic 1958 science-fiction horror film that has been remastered for the modern audience with a 1959 edition. Directed by Virgil W. Vogel, the film stars Barbara Wilson, Sten Gester, and Robert Burton in lead roles. The movie is set in a small remote village in Lapland, Sweden, where the sun never sets during the summer months, a phenomenon known as the Midnight Sun. A research team of scientists comes to this village to study the sun's effects on the human body. They are led by a renowned Swedish physicist, Dr. Erik Engstrom (Gester), who is investigating the sun's magnetic properties.
Soon, the scientists start noticing some strange occurrences in the village. People start disappearing, and some of them return as mindless, zombie-like beings with glowing eyes. The villagers believe that these creatures are the result of a curse cast by the vengeful god of the sun, who is angry with the scientists for intruding into his territory.
As the team delves deeper into their research, they discover that the strange phenomena are caused by an alien spacecraft that has crashed in the area thousands of years ago. The aliens, who have been frozen in suspended animation, start awakening, and their parasitic nature begins to take over the local population, turning them into zombie-like creatures. The scientists must find a way to stop the alien invasion from spreading to the world.
Terror in the Midnight Sun is an atmospheric movie showcasing the unique landscape of the Swedish Lapland. The filmmakers make good use of the Midnight Sun's never-ending daylight to showcase the eerie and foreboding atmosphere of the story. The movie's effects and makeup are a tribute to the classic sci-fi genre of the 1950s with low-budget practical effects that are well-executed.
Barbara Wilson plays Ann, a beautiful blonde reporter and the only American in the group. Ann is enamored with Dr. Engstrom, and their flirtatious banter drives a romantic subplot throughout the movie. Wilson's role adds an element of suspense and humor to the story, and her character is a welcome addition to the cast.
However, the film's highlight is Sten Gester's Dr. Engstrom, the dedicated and driven protagonist. He is a clear homage to the classic scientist trope of the 1950s sci-fi genre. Engstrom represents a particular brand of intellectual superiority, driven by a thirst for knowledge and a single-minded focus on his research. Gester's portrayal is genuinely memorable, and his performance elevates the workshop nature of the film.
The film's score is another standout feature, with composer Don Davis providing a haunting and foreboding soundtrack that blends well with the movie's atmosphere. The music builds tension and adds to the film's otherworldly vibe, underscoring the danger and threat that the team faces.
Terror in the Midnight Sun is an entertaining sci-fi horror movie, filled with action and suspense that will appeal to classic sci-fi fans. It has a poignant message about the dangers of unchecked scientific curiosity that remain relevant even today. The remastered edition adds to the charm of the classic movie without detracting from its original spirit, providing a fresh look at the horror and sci-fi classic that retains its cult following to this day.
Terror in the Midnight Sun - 1958 - Remastered Edition is a 2007 science fiction movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 11 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.7.