Watch The Vast of Night

In the small town of Cayuga, New Mexico, in the 1950s, a young switchboard operator named Fay (Sierra McCormick) and a charismatic DJ named Everett (Jake Horowitz) stumble upon a strange audio frequency while conducting their nightly routine. What follows is a thrilling journey through the unknown, as the pair seek answers to the mysterious and potentially dangerous transmissions.

"The Vast of Night," directed by Andrew Patterson and written by James Montague and Craig W. Sanger, is a captivating indie sci-fi film that expertly combines elements of mystery, suspense, and nostalgia for a bygone era. The story is presented as a fictional episode of a Twilight Zone-esque anthology TV show called "Paradox Theater," complete with an eerie opening monologue and vintage-style framing.

The film's crisp black-and-white cinematography adds to the retro vibe, with striking and inventive camera work that emphasizes the characters' isolation and the vastness of their surroundings. The long, tracking shots through the empty streets of Cayuga or the lonely hallways of the high school where Fay and Everett investigate the source of the signal build a sense of tension that is both palpable and intriguing.

But what really sets "The Vast of Night" apart is its focus on character and dialogue. McCormick and Horowitz give standout performances as two young people whose curiosity leads them down a dangerous, bewildering path. Fay is smart and resourceful, eager to discover something beyond her mundane, small-town life. Everett, on the other hand, is cocky and charming, with a mysterious backstory that slowly unravels as the night wears on. The banter between the two is charming and natural, with overlapping dialogue that adds to the sense of urgency and excitement.

The film's other characters, though few, are equally memorable. Gail Cronauer, as an elderly woman who calls into Everett's radio show with a chilling story, is particularly impressive, delivering a monologue that is both creepy and emotionally resonant.

As Fay and Everett dig deeper into the mystery of the audio frequency, the tension ratchets up, and the film verges into pulse-pounding thriller territory. There are moments of genuine terror and excitement, as well as some pleasantly surprising twists and turns. What's most impressive is how the film manages to maintain its slow-burn pace while still keeping the audience engaged and invested in the outcome.

"The Vast of Night" is a film made with obvious skill and care, and it's easy to see why it's been praised by critics and audiences alike. It's a refreshing reminder of the power of low-budget independent filmmaking, and it's a testament to the idea that sometimes the most compelling stories are the ones that focus on the little details and the human connections that drive them. Whether you're a fan of science fiction, thrillers, or just great filmmaking in general, this movie is well worth your time.

The Vast of Night is a 2020 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 84.