Review of The Midnight Sky (2020) by Smorenoi — 26 Dec 2020

If you're looking for a new Star Wars/Interstellar, then this movie isn't for you. If you're looking for an introspective journey, based within a scifi/space concept, with excellent visuals, acting, set design, and poignant themes of intrapersonal struggle then you've found a gem.

Everyone seems to be hating this movie, however, if you actually read the description of the book which this is based on you might be clued into why the movie is the way it is:

"A remarkable and gifted debut novel" (Colson Whitehead) about two outsiders-a lonely scientist in the Arctic and an astronaut trying to return to Earth-as they grapple with love, regret, and survival in a world transformed.

The movie might not have high stakes, it might appear as "predictable" on the surface. That is by intent, not by lack of skill or oversight. It explores one's choices, it makes us question what we value and the path we ultimately choose. This might not be an action-packed Lucas Films or Marvel Studios production, but it is deeper and richer in meaning than any of those films. It is a real, honest attempt at depicting true human struggle. The ultimate struggle is accepting and coming to terms with ourselves, and then ultimately letting go. This movie does that eloquently and without additional fanfare. In our present society, with a need for constant action and adventure to find distraction, this might not be the right fit for you, and that is okay. However, if you want to slow things down and just for a moment (a 2 hour long moment albeit that) just ponder on your life and life as a whole, this is the right movie for you.