Review of The Midnight Sky (2020) by Megomike — 20 Jan 2021

The Midnight Sky is based on the book GOOD MORNING, MIDNIGHT by Lily Brooks-Dalton, adapted by Mark L. Smith (The Revenant), and directed by George Clooney. The score is provided by Oscar Winner Alexandre Desplat (The Shape of Water). George Clooney plays Augustine. His performance is brave and wonderful, as his direction is beautiful. Caolinn Spingall plays Iris, the young girl who seems to be mistakenly left on planet and now in the unwanted care of Augustine, a man whose parenting history throughout the film suggests he is not the best keeper of her care and safety. All the while, above the Earth preparing to re-enter after a long journey, is the spaceship Ether. The astronauts, years separated from loved ones are brilliantly played by David Oyelowo (Selma) as the Captain, and Felicity Jones (Star Wars: Rogue One) as Sully. Rounding out the crew is Kyle Chandler (Friday Night Lights), Tiffany Boone as Maya, and a brilliant performance by Demian Bichir (The Hateful Eight) as Sanchez. Ethan Peck delivers a small, but starmaking, turn as a younger version of George Clooney’s Augustine, who he breezily channels.

Yes, this film is a bit of a contrived survival film. Yes, at times it appears to be a confused science fiction adventure. But at its heart, it is a redemption film for Augustine. It is a wonderful redemption film at that with a surprise ending on a level of Shamalan’s Sixth Sense and Signs. While the premise appears cardboard, Clooney is not. His character has discovered a life purpose worthy of the great movies of our time. I hope to see Clooney recognized as actor and director for this film, along with Jones, Oyelowo, and especially Bichir and Peck. The performances are Oscar worthy, the beauty of the cinematography is other-worldly. I give this movie 4 of 5 stars. You will need to have patience to get to the end of this story, but your patience will be rewarded with a very satisfying ending to a deceptively simple plot.