If ever there was a timelier movie that takes place in the 50’s than The Vast of Night, I don’t know what it would be. Just last month, the Pentagon released footage of “unidentified aerial phenomena” or UFO’s. I guess. The Pentagon is vague yet assertive about whether there might or not be UFO’s. Much like this movie. Checkout our The Vast of Night Review.
The Vast of Night Review
As in real life, The Vast of Night, works on a conceit that what you are watching could be real or it might not be*. Are you watching naive, studious Fay (Sierra McCormick) and clever, fast talking Everett (Jake Horowitz) discover something unusual in their New Mexico small town or are you watching it on a TV program? Do the eerie noises and firsthand witnesses actually lead to something factual or is it something scripted playing out on TV’s Paradox Theater? The young actors are adept and compelling and are willing to take the audience on their adventure to discover the mystery. The truth is out there.
This is a slow burning debut from director Andrew Patterson and writers James Montague and Craig W. Sanger. If you enjoy movies like Close Encounters, Super 8, The Twilight Zone, and War of the Worlds (though Myla would never recommend a Tom Cruise movie to anyone, ever) this is a great movie to check out. It is also a lovely vignette of small-town life in the 1950’s not unlike The Last Picture Show (which Movie Myla does most certainly recommend).
The Vast of Night is rated PG-13 and isn’t scary at all. It is more of a sci fi, mystery movie. Middle school age kids and older who have any interest in science fiction, history, radio, original movie making, or UFO’s should check it out. It would make for a fun quarantine movie night. Don’t forget the popcorn and Junior Mints!
*But we can’t rule out squirrels either.
If you are lucky you can find The Vast of Night possibly playing at a local theatre. If you are luckier you can watch it from the comfort of your own couch, blanket, snacks, and drinks on Amazon Prime. Watch the trailer below!
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