Midnight Special, written and directed by Jeff Nichols - 8 out of 10

Midnight Special, written and directed by Jeff Nichols
8 out of 10


Midnight Special is a...special motion picture.
The premise is outlandish and we could say that literally.

For the hero, a boy with super natural powers seems to come from another world.
A cult is worshipping him and that is extremely dangerous.

One instance that we may refer to is mentioned in the quintessential psychology masterpiece by Robert Cialdini:

Influence 

A cult leader uses the principles of authority and reciprocity to make hundreds of people commit mass suicide in the forests of Guyana.
Alton Meyer could fall prey to the mad people who chase him after his parent takes him away.

His father is Roy aka the enigmatic, outre, marvelous and always excellent Michael Shannon, recently remarked for his splendid contribution to his year's winner of the Oscar for Best Motion Picture, The Shape of Water.
Nevertheless, this actor has attracted attention as early as The Revolutionary Road, performing with Leonardo Di Caprio and Kate Winslet.

Roy asks for the help of his former colleague, Lucas aka Joel Edgerton.
The National Security Agency is on their footsteps as well as members of the cult.

Adam Driver plays Sevier, a scientist who is trying to make the calculations needed to anticipate the moves of the SuperHuman.
Meanwhile, Alton Meyer appears to be able to provoke nuclear bomb like effects.

Satellites fall to earth when the boy is in full activity.
The public can enjoy the thrills of a chase, accidents, shootings, tense moments.

When a few of the cult members catch up with the hero, his father and other protector, it seems this is the end of the road and of the story.
Roy is tied to a balustrade and Lucas is incapacitated.

Midnight Special is a very good film.