Jeff Nichols’ ode to John Carpenter’s sci-fi thrillers, Midnight Special is a solid ride with strong performances but ultimately a disappointing experience. Nichols is a master of tone, and the one he employs here is ominous and intriguing, and the ending admirably goes for broke in a way that the expectations-defying Take Shelter backed away from. Unfortunately, the lead characters are inherently distant and it’s hard to relate to the father and son bond that is supposed to be the film’s heart. Midnight Special could use a dose of Carpenter’s light, human touch.
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