Slowly but surely, filmmaker Jeff Nichols is becoming one of the more
popular names in independent cinema. In fact, some pundits already
claim that he’s one of the new masters of the medium. This week, he
takes his first step towards the mainstream with the science fiction
film Midnight Special, a unique movie that could introduce him to a
wider audience. Nichols makes hard to define cinema, and this is
certainly the case as well. There are genre trappings, but this is as
much about the nature of faith and fatherhood as it is a sci-fi tale.
It’s not perfect, but Midnight Special is one of the more interesting
releases of 2016 so far.
The film is a strange animal, but certainly doesn’t lack for
ambition. As it begins, we’re introduced to Roy (Michael Shannon), who
is in a hotel room with Lucas (Joel Edgerton) and young Alton (Jaeden
Lieberher). Alton is under the covers reading a comic, but the other two
are watching the television and looking outside, watching for something
or someone. The TV informs us that Alton has been abducted and a
manhunt is on. As the three hit the road and look for safe harbor, we
learn that Roy is Alton’s father, that Roy took him from a religious
cult that had legally adopted him, and that Alton has a special power,
making him extraordinarily valuable to both the cult as well as the
government. One thinks he’s a savior, one thinks he’s a weapon, but none
actually understand him. As they travel from Texas to Florida, aided by
Alton’s mother Sarah (Kirsten Dunst), they’re pursued by members of the
cult, led by Calvin Meyer (Sam Shepard), as well as an NSA agent named
Paul Sevier (Adam Driver). It all builds towards a conclusion you
definitely won’t see coming, though prepare to potentially leave with
more questions than answers. Nichols writes and directs, with the
supporting cast including Bill Camp, Scott Haze, David Jensen, Paul
Sparks, and more. Cinematography is by longtime Nichols collaborator
Adam Stone, while the top notch score is from David Wingo.
For me, the movie isn’t quite on par with Mud, Nichols’ last flick,
but it’s better than the highly regarded Take Shelter. It also does
include nods towards mainstream entertainment, especially when the trio
and then quartet are on the run. This is very much a Nichols project
though, and the acting/directing is what makes it work. The writing is
slightly generic at times, but the performances and visuals, along with
the sound design, are really on point. Shannon is especially great,
portraying a dedicated father who doesn’t understand why his son is the
way he is, but will protect him at all costs. It’s very moving, trust me
there.
Awards wise, I think Midnight Special probably has an uphill battle,
since its trappings are basically that of an old fashioned genre flick.
Still, if it winds up making a few bucks and can get the critics on its
side, I think Warner Brothers will launch a campaign. If so, look for it
to try and compete in Best Picture, Best Director (for Nichols), Best
Actor (for Shannon), Best Supporting Actor (for Driver, Edgerton, or
Lieberher), Best Supporting Actress (for Dunst), Best Original
Screenplay (also for Nichols), Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing,
Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing, Best Original Score, and Best
Visual Effects. I suspect that the only ones it could have a shot with
are Original Screenplay and the Sound categories, but anything is
possible.
Overall, if you’re a fan of what Nichols has done previously, I think
Midnight Special will really work for you. If you haven’t been, or like
me you’ve only been impressed once, this could be a step forward. It’s a
quality title that deserves an audience. It’ll be hitting screens this
weekend on a platform basis, so if it gets some solid support, we’ll
definitely hear more about it as the year moves on. For now, it’s a
unique film that’s well worth seeing. Especially if you enjoy cinema
that’s on the different side of the spectrum, this should be for you.
Give it a shot…
Be sure to check out Midnight Special, beginning its theatrical run on Friday!
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