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Midnight Special
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Midnight Special

2016
Drama
Sci-fi
1h 52m
A father and son go on the run after the dad learns his child possesses special powers. (imdb)
Directed by:
Jeff Nichols Jeff Nichols
Written by:
Jeff Nichols Jeff Nichols
Starring:
Kirsten Dunst Kirsten Dunst Sam Shepard Sam Shepard Michael Shannon Michael Shannon Joel Edgerton Joel Edgerton David Jensen David Jensen Sean Bridgers Sean Bridgers Paul Sparks Paul Sparks Lucy Faust Lucy Faust Bill Camp Bill Camp Adam Driver Adam Driver Scott Haze Scott Haze Christy Moritz
More
Genres:
Drama, Sci-fi, Suspense/Thriller, Mystery
Countries:
Greece, USA
Language:
English
imdb More information at IMDb
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Midnight Special

2016
Drama
Sci-fi
1h 52m
Your probable score
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer
Avg Percentile 47.37% from 1225 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

(1225)
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jakeaestheteJakeAesthete
Rated 21 Aug 2016
57
54th
I guess if you can only watch one unabashedly retro '80s Spielberg pastiche wherein government agents chase after a kid with telekinetic powers this year, you may as well make it the one with Michael Shannon and Adam Driver and without a CGI monster...
Rated 21 Aug 2016
theficionadotheficionado
Rated 13 Apr 2016
50
48th
Feels like the utopian yin to Take Shelter's paranoiac, apocalyptic yang. Like TS, MS is a sober treatise on belief and faith, in heartedly sincere genre trappings. Despite the earnest commitment with which Nichols treats the material, the genre details (dead birds, mean dogs, funnel clouds in Take Shelter; light-prism eyes, futuristic cities here) are so generic, so textureless that the films assume only the most broadly allegorical positioning. First half-hour or so, though, is really great.
Rated 13 Apr 2016
barthalenBarthalen
Rated 20 Sep 2016
79
77th
I realized I had been missing a sense of wonder and the unknown in my recent movie watching, and Midnight Special delivered nicely. Drenched in mood, carried by a rock solid cast and enough momentum to keep the very basic Spielbergian concept interesting. The ending felt earned, though not sure about the movie's rewatchability as a whole. Still, it was the type of escapism I needed and I don't think I can get enough of the Nichols and Shannon combo.
Rated 20 Sep 2016
suture_selfSuture Self
Rated 09 Apr 2016
8
80th
SPOILERS: Time and time again moviegoers scowl at a vision of a better world but salivate in Pavlovian fashion at a vision of an apocalyptic nightmare, so the mixed response to MIDNIGHT SPECIAL's ending doesn't surprise me at all. Rather than viewing this other world as a confrontational gesture, as a way for us to look inward in hopes of finding our better selves, the reptilian part of our brain demands something different, something more immediately gratifying.
Rated 09 Apr 2016
wetwillieswetwillies
Rated 20 Mar 2016
60
10th
Viewed March 19, 2016. A breathless, enigmatic first act ultimately gives way to a frustrating and messy second half. The film is a proud Spielberg homage, but completely misses what made Spielberg so great in the first place: his love of people.
Rated 20 Mar 2016
ecitizeneCitizen
Rated 18 Jun 2016
60
59th
They took a paper thin, somewhat pathetic plot & threw a whole lot of strong performance into the making of this. Kirsten Dunst was almost unrecognizable, Michael Shannon was quite good, as was Joel Edgerton although their roles were confusing. Supporting cast was also good. The weak story was poorly developed. Good production quality & music. Suitable amounts of action & spooky nonsense to keep you hooked. Sadly, not a great movie, the presentation was too weak to elevate it much above average.
Rated 18 Jun 2016
matthew_parkinsonMatthew Parkinson
Rated 12 Apr 2016
70
77th
Midnight Special is a very good sci-fi chase movie with a very emotional core and mysteries galore to keep your interest levels high. It's deliberately paced, slowly unveiling itself as the characters get closer to their destination, but it keeps you guessing and thinking for the entirety of its running time. Michael Shannon, Joel Edgerton, and Jaeden Lieberher are all great, and the balance between realism and fantasy is a success.
Rated 12 Apr 2016
mrandersen10mrandersen10
Rated 29 Sep 2016
70
43rd
A well-made film that takes itself far too seriously given the subject matter. Between scenes where serious and somber men fight to protect or capture some kid who shoots light beams out of his eyes, we get to watch some trees rustling in the wind and the morning dew gather on blades of grass while listening to melancholic piano pieces. It all felt rather silly. All the sci-fi components are there, but I couldn't get behind the indie/emo tone Nichols employs.
Rated 29 Sep 2016
mwgerbmwgerb
Rated 04 Apr 2016
67
81st
Incredibly well-made, and captures a sense of thrill and awe that's defined many classics of the genre. It's going to take more than one viewing to fully digest, to see whether the pieces really add up, whether the mysteries it proffers are truly profound or just unexplained fluff. But at this point, it's an argument about if Midnight Special is simply good, or genuinely great.
Rated 04 Apr 2016
lookjabbaLookJabba...
Rated 27 Apr 2016
8
76th
Midnight Special is another meticulous piece of filmmaking from Jeff Nicholls and his first venture into Sci/Fi is both an impressive and satisfying experience. This is a film built on mystery and wonder. But the reveals (or lack of in some respects) won't satisfy everybody. Michael Shannon impresses once again and Adam Driver is a worthy mention also. There's nostalgic undertones of the Spielberg/Amblin Sci/Fi's from the 70's and I welcome more Sci/Fi's of this kind and from Jeff Nichols.
Rated 27 Apr 2016
omgfridgeomgfridge
Rated 15 May 2016
7
65th
Knew I was in for a treat from the title sequence alone. A slow satisfying burn filled with conflicted characters. Michael Shannon commands every scene (wouldn't expect much less though) and the supernatural keeps you on your toes throughout. Up in the air ending felt completely right.
Rated 15 May 2016
carsonwidCarsonWid
Rated 02 Apr 2016
73
67th
More about how the characters respond in a situation like this than about the situation itself. Enough good camerawork and acting to make this enjoyable.
Rated 02 Apr 2016
kasperlKasperL
Rated 21 Feb 2016
70
65th
'Take Shelter' is in my opinion one of the very best films of the decade, so I had high hopes for this one. Nichols - who wears his love of Spielberg on his sleave - seems to be shielding a winning hand. And, as long as you're curious about where he's going, it's a very exciting ride... But the ending is no royal flush. It's unsatisfying and strangely flat. Also, it makes it worse that Nichols clearly intends to awe the audience with it. Bottom line: It's a good film which left me disappointed.
Rated 21 Feb 2016
cagedwisdomcagedwisdom
Rated 13 Feb 2016
75
65th
Solid and pretty interesting all the way through. I feel there was potential for a lot more though. Didn't focus the story correctly.
Rated 13 Feb 2016
kojilessKojiless
Rated 25 Jul 2017
80
85th
Sure, it has a title like a long-lost Credence Clearwater Revival track, but don't let that fool you. Midnight Special is a wonderfully mellow sci-fi gem that didn't need bells, whistles, or even much dialogue for that matter, to impress. For some reason it gave me a real Starman vibe...but I'm guessing maybe it was just the plaid shirt the main character was wearing.
Rated 25 Jul 2017
aaautinAAAutin
Rated 27 Apr 2016
60
71st
(STARCHILD)
Rated 27 Apr 2016
chmulcr0nchmul_cr0n
Rated 10 Jun 2016
75
79th
Jeff Nichols knows how to actors.
Rated 10 Jun 2016
guillaumeGuillaume
Rated 22 Apr 2017
74
53rd
Above all the whole thing leaves me conflicted, but isn't that what all sci-fi films that have an ending do? The first acts are extremely well done, great ambiance, music, acting and mystery. The further development of the story doesn't necessarily disappoint, but it did leave me feel somewhat unsatisfied.
Rated 22 Apr 2017
bofbof
Rated 04 Nov 2016
70
59th
I'm still not sure if this and Stranger Things are a true resurgence for casually Weird fiction, or if they're cynical nostalgia pieces that are quite the opposite to that. Much like its TV counterpart, though, it's really nice for the time it lasts, and I love that it doesn't give you a full checklist of explanations in the end. We stay in the POV of those who only touch the weirdness, but can't be part of it.
Rated 04 Nov 2016
haydengvHaydenGV
Rated 24 May 2016
90
70th
A wonderful allegorical tale for dealing with loss, Midnight Special is a well-executed story of genre and expectation subversion, with intensely understated performances and an intriguing mystery to be unraveled.
Rated 24 May 2016
anomalyAnomaly
Rated 11 Feb 2020
73
54th
An excellent first half that slowly teases out its mysteries becomes a second half that just kind of lands without nearly enough emotional backing for it to work. Lacks the whimsy that would have made the two halves a working whole. For a much better combination of cults, road trips, and a "special" young protag, see "Electrick Children."
Rated 11 Feb 2020
neonmanNeonman
Rated 15 Apr 2016
77
55th
A healthy mix of independent and '80s style blockbuster -- it's leading up to moments of spectacular wonder, but each build-up works well thanks to some excellent plot developing, without toeing over the line of believability (though I can imagine folks having a problem with the ending, though I went with it). In favour of the story, characterisation is placed on the back-burner, but it all serves this mysterious film (that ends with no ambiguities).
Rated 15 Apr 2016
obdurateObdurate
Rated 22 Apr 2016
80
67th
Masterfully builds a sense of mystery, never divulging too much info or getting lost in pointless exposition; instead it uses its beautiful cinematography, music and acting to tell a story about a kid with superpowers. If you want answers, you're missing the point: we are thrown into the same shoes as the characters, the ambiguity is crucial. Also, MS drifts into some minor horror territory due to how grave certain things feel, but is a sci-fi flick at its core definitely. Wonderful road movie.
Rated 22 Apr 2016
luna6ixLuna6ix
Rated 05 Dec 2017
57
12th
If your sci-fi mystery movie contains only blue light as a special effect and it has a reveal for the mystery, that you'd better make damned sure you write one hell of a reveal. Nope, Nichols was too concerned with clever little "storytelling devices" he used to give the illusion of an awesome sci-fi movie that had no money behind it, if you think I'm blown away by grass in the wind, or a blue light, or a kid in motorcycle goggles, well, you misjudge how superficial I can be, damnit!
Rated 05 Dec 2017
therealj_roTheRealJ-Ro
Rated 09 Dec 2016
70
42nd
I enjoyed this and feel as though it does a serviceable job of telling its story, while at the same time, I admit that I'm not in love with it. There's nothing bad about it either, which adds to my frustration. This more closely associates with the Sci-Fi that I really like, and Nichols imposes his undeniable style upon a minimalist screenplay - minimalism which, for the record, is perfectly fine, as you don't need to be spoon-fed your messages. Not a miss, not a hit, but it's worth seeking out.
Rated 09 Dec 2016
amazedemonamazedemon
Rated 20 Jun 2016
64
51st
Midnight Special is a film that I wish I had enjoyed more than I actually did. It's directed well with engaging action sequences but an otherwise deliberate slow pace that allows the viewer to try to guess what's going on. The answer, unfortunately, is not much. Shannon and Edgerton weren't compelling enough to entertain me. In fact all the humans are a little on the dull side. A little too much build-up for an ending that seemed to be a more interesting premise than the film itself.
Rated 20 Jun 2016
juntakinte99juntakinte99
Rated 06 Apr 2016
60
22nd
In a world like X-Men or Harry Potter, how would a religious cult prey on those super-powered children? Sadly, this flick doesn't deliver on that weighty concept--neither via the supernatural or the father who goes on the run to protect his son. To complicate things, the ending ventures close to an M. Night Shyamalan level of unforgivable. Marginal recommendation as Nichols merges a rural indie film with a superhero movie that feels closer to Unbreakable than Stranger Things.
Rated 06 Apr 2016
sirstuckeySirStuckey
Rated 11 Apr 2016
80
78th
Very enjoyable sci-fi drama. It's led by some great acting from Shannon, Edgerton, and Dunst. Nichols has an amazing ability to have an undercurrent of quiet intensity throughout nearly every scene. It helps to have an actor like Michael Shannon who can emote more with just looks than many can with monologues.
Rated 11 Apr 2016
quintonjaminQuintonjamin
Rated 06 Dec 2020
60
51st
Exciting at points, boring at others. The plot is interesting, but spread thin. Most of the acting is good and the limited action is pretty great. The ending isn't as awesome as the movie thinks it is.
Rated 06 Dec 2020
deaddillydeaddilly
Rated 06 Apr 2016
55
19th
The opening sequence of "Midnight Special" captured everything I hoped this film would be: An intimate on-the-run film grounded in Texas with supernatural intrigue. It was hard to digest how Nichols ended up handling the story. It ended up being an inaccessible/formulaic blockbuster with a muddied subtext and underwritten characters.
Rated 06 Apr 2016
jerkyJerky
Rated 14 Sep 2017
60
72nd
I really like Michael Shannon and Joel Edgerton but it's like the filmmakers said, "You know that scene in E.T. where the government comes in and takes E.T. away, and then later he escapes and we have to chase him? Let's make a feature length film of that, except let's take out the heart and coming of age and movie magic altogether"
Rated 14 Sep 2017
stradivariusStradivarius
Rated 21 Mar 2016
79
62nd
It was an enjoyable ride, even if the ultimate destination didn't awe me the way it seemed to want to
Rated 21 Mar 2016
schnofelschnofel
Rated 21 Apr 2016
38
23rd
I'm starting to think that I just don't like Jeff Nichols' convoluted stories. His filmmaking always has this air of being more original and rigorous than it is, his social ideas don't translate into genre, and this is his third dud in a row.
Rated 21 Apr 2016
difontaineDifontaine
Rated 10 Apr 2016
82
82nd
Loved it, a great slice of sci-fi. I'll need a few more viewings to settle on a score, please see it for yourself.
Rated 10 Apr 2016
ofterdingenOfterdingen
Rated 20 Mar 2016
54
40th
Nice atmosphere. At least until everything turns into a pretty lazy (and pretty lame) adventure.
Rated 20 Mar 2016
sellissellis
Rated 08 Apr 2016
84
72nd
Last act would've worked much better if Tomorrowland hadn't come out last year. Which is unfortunate, because the performances, cinematography, editing, sound design, and score are all top notch. Honestly, might be my favorite thing Jeff Nichols is done. Feels like he's pitching himself to do a franchise of some kind. I'd be interested to see the result.
Rated 08 Apr 2016
damildamil
Rated 09 Jun 2016
60
43rd
There were some facets that I liked, but I found my attention drifting on several occasions. The sci-fi elements were kinda half-baked, and ultimately unsatisfying. And I didn't really connect with it emotionally, either. It has a decent cast, but none of them impressed me in this. Still, it was pretty well-directed and had some nice cinematography, and I'm sure there are some people who would quite like it.
Rated 09 Jun 2016
igormacheteigormachete
Rated 10 Jun 2016
83
77th
A sci-fi as it should be. Far from perfect, especially the ending, but still great.
Rated 10 Jun 2016
hellboy76hellboy76
Rated 26 Jun 2016
70
79th
Nichols continues his theme of darkness but glimmers of hope, progressing to ambiguous ending. However he does it so well, particularly with Shannon on board. This one is more blatant in its science fiction aspects, which is a different sort of challenge than say, a Take Shelter, which hints at supernatural aspects. The strong cast helps make it a little more believable and the awe and wonder is portrayed convincingly. The ending is a bit eh... but it still works well within the feel of it all.
Rated 26 Jun 2016
stewballStewball
Rated 02 Apr 2016
60
28th
This was very engaging in spite of the glowing hands and eyes and the unexplained stuff. But as the movie progressed, I kept asking myself where could they possibly be going with this. Turns out, nowhere, and even the title is a pointless sham. They could have at least run a version of the song over the credits.
Rated 02 Apr 2016
bojanglesBojangles
Rated 09 Jun 2016
75
85th
Socially cynical but personally hopeful. The imagery in the finale was perhaps a mistake in the way that it stifles the crescendo-ing atmosphere of mystery, but it still works as a spiritual metaphor. The 'Close Encounters' look of wonder in their eyes says it all. A reason to believe.
Rated 09 Jun 2016
ocelotOcelot
Rated 23 Aug 2016
40
31st
70s Spielberg without the sense of wonder.
Rated 23 Aug 2016
cowmanCowman
Rated 29 May 2016
65
40th
Well made and very enjoyable. Michael Shannon kills it as always. The ending though was a bit too tacky.
Rated 29 May 2016
superargoSuperargo
Rated 27 Apr 2016
79
81st
Nichols's most assured and effective movie yet. Shannon's performance is award-worthy in its inarticulate eloquence. There are a couple lulls scattered about, but this is a quietly powerful fairy tale about the terrors that often come with fatherhood, particularly that sense of alien ineffectiveness and creeping wonder that hits you when you realize your son is gifted, or special, or much smarter than you'll ever be.
Rated 27 Apr 2016
djrossdjross
Rated 09 Sep 2016
45
34th
Continues the exploration of belief that was the theme in the filmmaker's best film, TAKE SHELTER. But allowing oneself to be influenced by Spielberg, or making an homage to Spielberg, or whatever, is unlikely ever to result in a better movie. This proves to be the case here, even if the director avoids some of the worst pitfalls, such as a cute kid and so on. Nichols knows how to create tension, but here the screenplay was a little uninspired: a bit like a calling card for bigger projects.
Rated 09 Sep 2016
mattorama12mattorama12
Rated 28 Nov 2016
68
55th
Really loved the chemistry between Shannon and Edgerton here. The kid actor was a bit annoying, though. I thought the filmmaking was wonderful, but the story and ideas did not really do much for me. Worth checking out, but I'm hoping that if Nichols does full-on sci-fi again, he gets at least a co-writer.
Rated 28 Nov 2016
nothingsgoodNothingsGood
Rated 09 Apr 2016
80
89th
E.T. meets Donnie Darko for grown ups.
Rated 09 Apr 2016
ptravers2ptravers2
Rated 06 Jan 2017
7
81st
In this spellbinding sci-fi chase movie, UFOs take a back seat to identifiable human emotions. Go with it. Let Nichols turn your head around. He sure as hell will. One caveat: Nichols drops you into the action, no backstory road map. What you see is what you get. Luckily, what you get is extraordinary.
Rated 06 Jan 2017
cinemaasiaCinema_Asia
Rated 10 Feb 2017
65
42nd
The acting by all the cast is great but wasted on one of the goofiest sci fi premises ever. This film borrows a bit too much from firestarter which is quite frankly a superior screenplay. On the other hand the cast and acting in this is so good that the piss weak premise holds up. The CGI effects in this are simply laughable though. This film will not age well despite all the good acting. Nichols is a very talented director but his weakness as a writer is evident.
Rated 10 Feb 2017
arossaross
Rated 06 Dec 2020
77
56th
I thought the more recent movie Freaks was a bit better with a similar plotline. Still this movie holds your interest as an entertaining thriller and has a satisfying enough conclusion.
Rated 06 Dec 2020
okkervilOkkervil
Rated 18 Aug 2016
80
84th
It strengths lie not just in Nichols undoubted ability to produce something equivocal and esoteric that's still able to carry a coherent narrative and strong characters, but also in the wonderful photography and sounds that always accompany Nichols films. I felt that conceptually it had more to give, but this superbly cast slice of sci-fi ambiguity will linger long in the memory and comes highly recommended.
Rated 18 Aug 2016
bagarbjorneBagarbjorne
Rated 11 Jun 2016
65
64th
The ending is a bit underwhelming, but that's partly because the rest really sets the bar high.
Rated 11 Jun 2016
psimpsim
Rated 23 May 2018
79
68th
A sci-fi road movie that slowly reveals itself to the viewers as the characters keep closing in on their destination. The great cast and compelling direction serve this movie well, although I suspect the resolution won't be to everyone's taste.
Rated 23 May 2018
mandymandy
Rated 21 Apr 2016
6
44th
Interesting sci fi which is more about human emotions and reactions to a situation rather than offering any profound comment on the universe. Michael Shannon is superb, as always.
Rated 21 Apr 2016
ricRic
Rated 12 Dec 2017
65
18th
Loved the visuals, the sense of mystery, of not knowing where we are headed. But a film like that needs a heart, some fun, some chemistry between the actors and this one felt definitely lifeless. Wasted potential !
Rated 12 Dec 2017
moribunnyMoribunny
Rated 02 Jun 2019
25
12th
Sort of an unofficial, and unnecessary, remake of "Firestarter". I don't know why Jeff Nichols thought he should make this after making the far superior "Take Shelter". It's his worst movie yet.
Rated 02 Jun 2019
xacviantxacviant
Rated 21 Apr 2016
63
17th
A young boy (Jaeden Lieberher) with mysterious powers and his father (Michael Shannon) are on the run from the government and a cult who views the boy as their savior. Exactly what Nichols is trying to say isn't quite clear; much remains unexplained, seemingly only for the sake of generating mystery, and the characters are hardly well enough drawn to make their travails compelling. There is good acting, especially from Shannon, and on a technical level it's perfectly solid, but...so what?
Rated 21 Apr 2016
bakcheiabakcheia
Rated 16 Dec 2016
87
80th
It's nice to see a sci-fi feature that has explicitly rooted influences from past films and big directors, but doesn't feel referential or nostalgic whatsoever. What makes Midnight Special work so brilliantly is that, at its core, it's a road movie, and one that leaves just enough unsaid to make everything click. The acting is all great, and the pacing is so well-kept that you breeze past parts that aren't as convincing. The clean, minimal answer to Stranger Things' grab-bag pastiche.
Rated 16 Dec 2016
td888td888
Rated 24 Apr 2016
50
41st
The journey is more interesting than the destination. And what's up with the title?
Rated 24 Apr 2016
bionicninjasBionicNinjas
Rated 16 Aug 2016
90
83rd
A wonderfully acted, beautifully shot film that is both fantastically and frustratingly ambiguous; a movie where the internalized drama of the characters leaks out just enough to move you.
Rated 16 Aug 2016
dargumindargumin
Rated 22 Apr 2016
24
0th
Terrible film. They forgot to make anyone likeable. The boy isn't likeable. His dad doesn't seem likeable. There is no reason to be invested in the fate of anyone. Crazy logic leaps abound. Some things seem like they might be significant but then they aren't. Just terrible.
Rated 22 Apr 2016
wwallce4prezWWallce4prez
Rated 01 Jul 2016
80
73rd
The frantic, purposely underdeveloped, mystery that envelops the first two acts is thoroughly engrossing with the added bonus of Nichols's attention to detail. The score and realistic performances are a treat. Say what you will regarding its conclusion, but its hard for me to fault Nichols with such an enjoyable outset.
Rated 01 Jul 2016
timmotimmo
Rated 21 Dec 2016
80
44th
Nichols's best work comes when his actors get a chance to let loose a little more (e.g., Shannon in TAKE SHELTER), and that doesn't happen enough here. But nevertheless, the story is interesting, and the movie is still good, and worth seeing. It does over the line with exposition at points, and that detracts a bit.
Rated 21 Dec 2016
sproostsproost
Rated 03 Mar 2017
45
20th
Aside from lacking any palpable depth in the writing, I feel the real damage was done on the cutting floor, with subtracted editing pushed so far that it leaves no detail to cling onto. Music doesn't help, very cheap beginner sounding synth stuff that initiates hard cringe right from the start.
Rated 03 Mar 2017
actionbergActionberg
Rated 22 Jul 2016
60
28th
Loaded to the gills with acting talent but interminably slow.
Rated 22 Jul 2016
wgwolfordwgwolford
Rated 12 Jun 2020
60
31st
Not bad but lacks the strong characterization of Shotgun Stories and the powerful plot of Take Shelter. My least favorite Jeff Nichols film so far sadly.
Rated 12 Jun 2020
ippeiIppei
Rated 31 Jan 2017
60
32nd
I enjoyed this movie, but certainly not as much as I thought I would. The cast is terrific (Michael Shannon and Adam Driver are 2 of my favourite actors) and the plot and filmmaking are intriguing enough to keep you engaged. The major problem for me was that there's no "mystery" in what is happening, which would have added more to the narrative. As it is, it's a too sci-fi and not enough drama/thriller.
Rated 31 Jan 2017
stuie299stuie299
Rated 14 Dec 2020
90
90th
Shannon is excellent. Driver turns in his usual top notch performance. A really wonderful combination of Sci-Fi, Drama, and Suspense. Sure at times it might seem overly ambiguous, but the pure emotion and sense of mysterious wonder create a highly compelling atmosphere for the plot to take place in.
Rated 14 Dec 2020
glumpy99glumpy_99
Rated 31 Dec 2016
72
42nd
An intriguing take on early Spielberg-era sci-fi, the film lacks its forebearer's warmth and story-telling smarts, presenting a narrative which drip feeds some essential information, while relying too much on overly detailed exposition at other times, resulting in a bit of a muddle. Fine performances from the core four do help immensely, and Nichols proves excellent at creating and sustaining a haunting, unsettling mood. Likely worth a re-watch.
Rated 31 Dec 2016
zoinkzoink
Rated 13 Sep 2016
68
62nd
The first 30 minutes of this movie are great. It didn't hold up quite as well all the way through but I was never disappointed.
Rated 13 Sep 2016
panzerwolfpanzerwolf
Rated 18 Aug 2022
67
49th
It's got an interesting premise and I was set on learning about this cult that's centered around the numbers and messages. The chase after the boy was tense and the mysterious powers that he possessed kept you guessing and wondering. It's just when the movie progresses and the secrets start unfolding, I felt a sense of disappointment. An interesting idea, but the ending was unsatisfying. It's still a very solid sci-fi movie, though, and we don't get too many of those.
Rated 18 Aug 2022
fredericg54frederic_g54
Rated 07 Oct 2016
6
34th
Having played There's Poop In My Soup obsessively the last few days, I don't think I'm in a position to judge this film, let alone any film, objectively. In all seriousness, as a Spielbergian homage to sci-fi cinema, Nichols bites off more than he can chew. While the story is sufficiently shrouded in mystery to keep one hooked, the film is just too generic and drawn out to sustain the occasional momentum it generates. Also wastes a solid cast, most notably Adam Driver as a soda vending machine.
Rated 07 Oct 2016
letskillrobotsletskillrobots
Rated 01 Jan 2017
24
71st
the kids' eyes are actually the car headlights
Rated 01 Jan 2017
burrrburrr
Rated 01 Jun 2018
75
41st
74.50
Rated 01 Jun 2018
muutanetmuutanet
Rated 28 Jun 2016
67
60th
Well directed though it was slightly dragging. Acting was very good and there was several nicely build scenes. The story was then again left a bit too traditional science fiction.
Rated 28 Jun 2016
lauftLäuft.
Rated 09 Jul 2016
87
89th
My first born will be challed Jeff Nichols
Rated 09 Jul 2016
seethruskinSeethruskin
Rated 26 Jan 2017
4
52nd
Forgot to rank this. It's a fine little sci-fi film.
Rated 26 Jan 2017
barraocBarraoc
Rated 18 Jun 2016
70
64th
An interesting idea wrapped in an all round good film but with a massively built up yet unsatisfying ending.
Rated 18 Jun 2016
nepetaNepeta
Rated 26 Dec 2016
65
35th
In Take Shelter Curtis' faith in the oncoming storm is shown as something we should question as everyone around him has doubts also, the doubt keeping us engaged. Conversely Midnight Special frames everyone's belief in Alton's importance and the need to get him where it is prophesied he should be as a belief we should also hold, unwaveringly so. This fits the film's genre heritage, but simply isn't an interesting approach making the themes less engaging and not allowing them any room to breathe.
Rated 26 Dec 2016
serg1230serg1230
Rated 17 Apr 2024
60
6th
braddad68braddad68
Rated 27 Oct 2019
90
52nd
This one really flew under the radar. Great sci-fi action/drama. Michael Shannon and Joel Edgerton are two of our best current actors. Dunst and Driver were excellent as well.
Rated 27 Oct 2019
evilmangoesEvilMangoes
Rated 23 Aug 2018
69
35th
B-
Rated 23 Aug 2018
jlewisjlewis
Rated 09 Aug 2017
83
48th
Decent enough, but entirely unremarkable.
Rated 09 Aug 2017
nutcrackrnutcrackr
Rated 10 Mar 2017
81
85th
Suspenseful sci-fi from start to finish. It keeps the audience guessing and does not seek to provide them with a perfect answer. Attacks the story from multiple sides, and holds steady with fairly strong characters. Adam Driver's role is a little cliched though. Better than Arrival.
Rated 10 Mar 2017
3drevelation3dRevelation
Rated 03 Mar 2017
67
37th
Feels like a homage to films of years past that is akin to a mediocre song cover. Felt a lot like Stranger Things to me except that series was done better (not sure which one was thought up first). The Carpenter-esque score is ok. The plot didn't engage me. Just a mediocre entry from Nichols IMO.
Rated 03 Mar 2017
agentsnipeAgentSnipe
Rated 09 Nov 2017
82
78th
Not a perfect film, but there are flashes of brilliance. There are definite tips of the cap to early Spielberg efforts such as ET and moreso Close Encounters of the Third Kind. The biggest highlight and takeaway from this film is the performances from Michael Shannon and Joel Edgerton. Their characters show true dedication to their mission and the boy at the heart of that mission. Adam Driver and Kirsten Dunst feel slightly extraneous, but don't detract from the film at all.
Rated 09 Nov 2017
darrenDarren
Rated 31 Jan 2017
72
59th
A major step down for Nichols. But still a good little 80's Spielberg nostalgia fest.
Rated 31 Jan 2017
ssalamanderrssalamanderr
Rated 29 Aug 2016
70
20th
Started very strong, but devolves into schmaltz by the end. Somewhat disappointing. However the visuals are great, and it's an above average sci-fi flick.
Rated 29 Aug 2016
war_machineWar Machine
Rated 10 May 2016
80
77th
Kidspeaktonguesetcbecametheir scriptureTurnedoutitssecretgovinfo+kideyesintoguythencutwall+daytimeproblems+gavepeoplevisions+thinkjudgmentdaycomingmarch6+picksupradiosignalssaysinsync+badmeteoreffectslol+kirsten<3+meteorwasnuclearsatellitebroughtdown+sunriseexplosionlool+healedhim+kidnapped+interrogationfirecutvideoopendoor1v1me+gtastealcarLOL+hugeexplosionatplace+showsworldtoeveryone+lightpeopletakehim
Rated 10 May 2016
fenixdownfenixdown
Rated 18 Mar 2017
80
75th
Love the atmosphere. Jeff Nichols is consistently putting out quality films.
Rated 18 Mar 2017
thegreyfoxthegreyfox
Rated 13 Jan 2017
75
62nd
MS reminds me of Russian SF movies, which are more about atmosphere, tension and visuals than they are about "story". It's a bit like a still photograph which can be considered as a beautiful "picture" without truly understanding the back story. Shannon is not my favourite actor, as he like some notable others, has zero facial expression, and you want to shake him. Fixing your facial expression is NOT acting! That said, as long as you dont want to understand it, MS is a tense and enjoyable trip.
Rated 13 Jan 2017
moraesfelipemoraesfelipe
Rated 19 Jun 2016
65
61st
A Closer Encounters/Starman update that taps parenthood, government surveillance and fear of religious cults only to develop some sort of Tomorrowland plot -- but with all the subtlety Nichols of able to create out of nowhere. It all feels right, well acted and directed, but the whole sense of wonder is better crafted in the first half in this kind of realistic, southern sci-fi tale.
Rated 19 Jun 2016
spikycactusSpikyCactus
Rated 17 Dec 2023
70
46th
Top badass moment? Not a film about a desperate store manager trying to shift excess stock, but one from the “Knowing” school of understated, sci-fi thrillers. A young lad is forced to wear really tight, uncomfortable, orange ear defenders to bed, just because he has some random abilities that it’s best not to bother to ask “why” about. Actually it’s easier not to ask “why” about anything. We also get to see a civilisation where straight lines don't exist. No cats, chainsaws or decapitations.
Rated 17 Dec 2023
panomadgreekpanomadgreek
Rated 01 Jul 2017
55
10th
Nothing going on here except lots of worried solemn faces, a mystical child and aliens. Felt like Spielberg but shitter.
Rated 01 Jul 2017
rittehRitteh
Rated 21 Jul 2016
45
24th
A movie written and directed by Jeff Nichols and having so many A-List actors should not be this bad. Come on guys, you've been in movies for a long time, you should know how to make em. Things I learned: A crashed car can outrun army vehicles. Driving without lights on makes you less conspicuous. Night vision goggles work until there is a car parked in front of you. Shooting a state trooper? no bigs. You can easily get through army barricades. Endings? They aren't needed.
Rated 21 Jul 2016
nathan_sNathan S
Rated 31 Aug 2016
3
45th
Captures the spirit of genre adventures from yesteryear, for better or worse. Lacking a certain finesse or subtlety, but its crescendo pace and moody tones are a lot of fun.
Rated 31 Aug 2016
duderDuder
Rated 22 Jun 2016
60
40th
Not as strong as Take Shelter, but Nichols and Shannon are a definite power couple. The first third of the movie is beyond good, sucks you in a puts you in wonder, then the tone definitely changes and went out of the scope of my liking. Still a strong film but it lost me a lot towards the end and the ending just didn't do it for me. It's obvious what it tries to be and the homages it tries to make, which is unnecesarry. Still a great watch.
Rated 22 Jun 2016
natebarriosnatebarrios
Rated 26 Jan 2017
60
33rd
interesting ideas but the ending is probably the most divisive part and that credits song is stupid.
Rated 26 Jan 2017
cinegeekdecinegeek.de
Rated 07 Mar 2016
70
19th
Es gibt eine neue Generation von Filmemachern in Hollywood, die scheinbar alles daran setzen, das Blockbuster Kino der 70er und 80er wiederzubeleben. Jeff Nichols gehörte für mich bis dahin nicht dazu mit seinem spirituellen Stil. Mit dem SciFi Drama Midnight Special scheint aber auch Nichols beweisen zu wollen, wie erfolgreich er sein kann, indem er Bekanntes wiederbelebt... mehr auf cinegeek.de
Rated 07 Mar 2016
doughbarondoughbaron
Rated 16 Mar 2021
72
53rd
Competently shot, acted and paced with some fresh and unpredictable story elements. It's nothing spectacular but very good.
Rated 16 Mar 2021

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