Movie Reviews

‘The Midnight Sky’ Review – An Enduring Story of Redemption and the Resilience of the Human Spirit

Synopsis:

This post-apocalyptic tale follows Augustine (George Clooney), a lonely scientist in the Arctic, as he races to stop Sully (Felicity Jones) and her fellow astronauts from returning home to Earth, where a mysterious global catastrophe has taken place.

Nothing plagues the mind like the feeling of regret. It’s a feeling that may never go away, especially when the decision you made doesn’t just affect you, but someone you care about. As time passes, you spend hours pondering what-if scenarios, trying your damnedest to justify your actions. Ultimately, you end up feeling worse, because deep down, you know you missed out on something special. However, in some instances, there are chances for redemption. While it may not fix what you fumbled in the past, it’s a chance to somewhat make things right.

Based on the novel Good Morning, Midnight by Lily Brooks-Dalton, The Midnight Sky is a post-apocalyptic sci-fi drama where Earth is lonelier than the vast emptiness of space. Showing us a devastating future that isn’t as far-fetched as we’d like it to be, the film is an enduring story of redemption and the resilience of the human spirit. With themes of selflessness, isolation, ambition, and regret it’s easy to be drawn in. It features a beautifully written score and breathtaking cinematography that definitely steal the show. Unfortunately, the film falls short in the writing department as we are never awarded enough time to fully feel for any character. As the film jumps back and forth between its two storylines, it leads to an inconstant tonal switch that feels rather clumsy. Nevertheless, there are some wonderfully heartfelt and intense scenes that stick out. The “Ballet of Blood” as Clooney calls it, and the space karaoke scene are two that still linger in my mind weeks after initially seeing the film. The films reflective nature allows you to live in solitude with its characters and ponder your own regrets and humanity. While not masterfully executed, the film keeps you wondering and guessing and is definitely worth a watch. Its rewatchability is medium.

Plot & Pace

Weeks after a global catastrophe leaves the vast majority of Earth unliveable, Dr. Augustine Lofthouse, a scientist, decides to stay behind in order to save lives. Inhabiting an outpost in the Arctic, he is not only struggling to contact anyone but he suffers from a debilitating health condition that requires daily transfusions. Accepting the solitude, he tirelessly attempts to reach a crew of astronauts to deter them from returning home. Later he finds out he is not alone. A young girl named Iris has somehow found herself stranded with the doctor and the freezing desolate winds that engulf the outside. While Lofthouse tries to figure out where his new friend came from, a crew that has spent years in space is returning home but is unaware that humanity is on its last legs. In a desperate final attempt to save the space team, Augustine and his new companion must brave the outdoors and all its dangers in order to reach another outpost. He now must overcome his body, mind, and the elements to reach his destination so that his efforts are not all for naught and the astronauts can have a chance to survive. While Dr. Lofthouse’s actions are heroic they may also be a bit selfish as well.

As this film cozies up next to its isolation like a child snuggling a teddy bear, the film can feel rather slow. While the film could’ve conveyed loneliness in other ways that shorten the film, it decides to let you live in the emptiness to fully immerse you in its character.

Characters & Chemistry

While the cast did a great job, no one performance truly stands out for me, rather it’s the scenes and what they mean that do. Each character has their moments, solo and with others, but none are better than Sully (Felicity Jones) and Adewole’s (David Oyelowo) realization scene. Clooney as Augustine showcased his seasoned skills and paired well with Caoilinn Springall who plays the small and silent Iris. While the rest of the space crew, Maya (Tiffany Boone), Mitchell (Kyle Chandler), and Sanchez (Demian Bichir) all played well off each other.

The Midnight Sky premieres on Netflix on December 23rd. Enjoy and stay safe.