Writer/director Jeff Nichols’ “Midnight Special” is an
ambitious amalgamation of different genres and styles of film. It’s constantly
changing shape and evolving, making it difficult for the viewer to determine where
its heading. The movie is mainly grounded in the mundane here and now, though
it eventually pivots towards epic, awe-inspiring Sci fi. It’s a father-son
drama and an “on-the-run-from-the-government” thriller. It’s a family friendly
adventure flick with the same sense of mystery, wonder and excitement found in
early Spielberg (think especially of “E.T. and “Close Encounters of the Third
Kind”). It’s faith based but not in a heavy-handed, patronizing or even
scathing way. In fact the faith aspect doesn’t have to do with a particular
religion, but more that there are things in our world and the universe that are
beyond our understanding and can’t be explained logically.
That sounds like a lot for one movie, and it is, but Nichols
manages to weave all those ingredients (for the most part) into a cohesive
narrative. It helps that he uses the road-trip/quest structuring device, which
keeps the film moving at a snappy (but not too snappy) speed and from
meandering too far off track. The characters are always on the move; they know
where they need to go and what their objective is, although the audience
doesn’t always know. More importantly, Nichols keeps the picture’s focus
primarily on the father-son drama; their relationship is the guiding force
through this wild, tense and emotionally poignant adventure.
“Midnight Special” gets going right away, beginning in
aftermath of a child kidnapping. The two kidnappers Roy (Michael Shannon) and
Lucas (Joel Edgerton) are holed up in a motel with the kid, Alton (Jaeden
Lieberher). Roy and Lucas are dangerous and determined. Later, on the road,
Lucas shoots and kills a state trooper. Getting caught and giving up the boy
are the last things on their mind. We find out that Roy is Alton’s father and
he’s taken him from a cult that worships him. Without going into much detail,
lets just say Alton possesses extraordinary powers. Roy and Lucas meet up with
Sarah (Kirsten Dunst), Roy’s ex wife and Alton’s mother. The ruptured familial
unite has been temporarily restored and they continue on the run, while the
cult and the government attempt to track them down.
That’s all I want to say in terms of plot because the
mystery as to what exactly is going on (what’s up with Alton’s powers? Where is
the family going?) is one of the most captivating things about “Midnight
Special.” The picture is remarkably paced; the screenplay never reveals too
much information at any one moment. Nichols keep the viewer in a consistent
state of suspense; just when you think you have the film figured out it takes a
left turn and throws you off its scent. There’s rarely a stagnant moment.
Yet, as exciting and tense as the film can be, it wouldn’t
count for much without the strong emotional core brought on by the bond between
Roy and Alton. Shannon is known for playing menacing, sometimes scene chewing,
characters. He has a daunting physical appearance: an intimidating six foot
three build, a rough looking face and a thousand yard stare that could melt
ice. Here, however he’s appropriately low key and gentle, playing a father who
would do anything to protect his son. At the same time, he’s still trying to
full understand Alton and what he’s capable of doing. Ultimately, Roy has to do
what’s best for him, even if it ultimately means letting Alton go, letting him go out into the world and find his place in it.
The young Lieberher is also quite strong (understated
without becoming robotic) and I found his character’s growth to be one of the
most emotionally resonant pieces of the movie. He begins as just another weird
child with special abilities that we’ve seen a thousand times before. He’s an
animate macguffin-- a living prop, objectified by those around him and
misunderstood. To the cult, he’s their prophet; to the government he’s a weapon
(he’s neither). In whatever context, he’s a valuable commodity. Though
gradually, Alton transitions from object to subject, gaining awareness of
himself (including his powers) and the world around him. Eventually, it’s Alton
who confidently guides the family where they need to go. In this regard,
“Midnight Special” is also a coming of age story; Alton’s evolution is handled
with authenticity and tenderness.
Not surprisingly, “Midnight Special” can feel cluttered at
times and certain intriguing aspects of the narrative are neglected. For
example, the cult, lead by an old man named Calvin (Sam Shepard), plays a prominent
role at the beginning of the film, but part way through Nichols abruptly tosses
them to the side (after a somewhat superfluous scene involving a shootout at a
motel) and we never hear about them again. It would have been nice had Nichols
either kept them in or found a less sloppy way to write them out of the movie.
Their bizarre devotion towards Alton’s make them a compelling antagonistic
force, in addition to the pursuing government.
Even so, “Midnight Special” is a fantastic movie, managing
to be an exciting mystery/adventure/Sci fi and a poignant father/son drama. It
gets better the more I think about it.
B+
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