![\"MIDNIGHT-SPECIAL\"](\"http:\/\/filmgaze.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/MIDNIGHT-SPECIAL.jpg\")
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Filmmaker Jeff Nichols always gives us very real characters, ones that have to fight for their lot. It\u2019s this passion that makes his work so remarkable and memorable, from Take Shelter<\/em> (2011) to Mud<\/em> (2012). His latest, sci-fi-toned addition, Midnight Special<\/em>, is no different, using the element of the unexplained to further add complexity to what we understand as a \u2018relationship\u2019. Muse Michael Shannon takes centre-stage again, an actor with such an emotional resolve that we shudder at his inner turmoil, without a word ever passing his lips.<\/p>\n Shannon plays doting father, Roy, who goes on the run with his gifted but \u2018poorly\u2019 young son Alton (a brilliant Jaeden Lieberher), aided by old friend, ex-cop Lucas (Joel Edgerton on fine form). A religious sect and the Government are after Alton \u2013 the mystery is why?<\/p>\n It\u2019s the power of the unknown that steers Nichols\u2019s film. Its constant ambiguity prompts question after bigger question from its characters and its audience. Like all great 80s\/90s sci-fi, there is an inherit paranoia surrounding events of the darker side of the authorities who want to control anything they don\u2019t understand. This feeds our desire for father and son to reach whatever final destination they need to reach, whether it spells tragedy.<\/p>\n The casting is as exquisite as is the writing here, with Shannon and his retro, Fifties-hero screen presence a formidable contradiction of towering strength and crushing vulnerability. As his character progresses on this road movie he is constantly learning \u2013 as are we. The need for answers becomes overwhelming, sweeping you along in the narrative that is essentially a very basic one on paper. It\u2019s intelligent filmmaking from Nichols who whips the status quo up into something far grander.<\/p>\n The special effects feel very real, ironically, even with a large dose of the supernatural. The ending conjures up feelings from first-time viewing of Cameron\u2019s The Abyss<\/em> (1989) too, which also made believable correlations between human\/organic and alien existence, questioning man\u2019s knowledge of the watery depths of our oceans. Midnight Special<\/em> poses similar questions about the \u2018after life\u2019 with its juxtapositioning of science and religion.<\/p>\n As coaxing and hypnotic as the pace of Nichols\u2019s films are, Midnight Special<\/em> is not as even as Mud<\/em>. There are some odd moments of unnecessary padding. It\u2019s questionable as to how relevant Kirsten Dunst\u2019s character Sarah (Alton\u2019s mother) is, short of answering where Alton supposedly originated from. The story is really Shannon\u2019s to help us understand Alton\u2019s journey.<\/p>\n Midnight Special<\/em> will delight fans of intelligent sci-fi, weary of current-day, big special effects and yearning to revisit man\u2019s connection to the universe and beyond. Its magical quality makes it special, and the core relationship will tug hard at the heartstrings, without you realizing, until the very end, how deep an impact it has made.<\/p>\n 4\/5 stars<\/strong><\/p>\n By @FilmGazer<\/p>\n