Rating: 8 of 10
The mystery will reel you in; the climax will swallow you whole.
Synopsis: “What starts as a race from religious extremists and local law enforcement quickly escalates to a nationwide manhunt involving the highest levels of the Federal Government. Risking everything, Roy is committed to helping Alton reach his ultimate purpose, whatever that might be and whatever it costs, in a story that takes audiences on a perilous journey from Texas to the Florida coast, while exploring the bonds of love and trust, and the nature of faith.” (source)
My thoughts: Roy’s devotion to Alton is the kind of parental love often lacking in modern cinema. I’m not sure if it’s a “sign of the times” or if it’s filmmakers’ commentary on the ever-expanding chasm between parents and kids (especially teenagers); the way kids have become an “Other” in a world where adults ostracize the Others because they misunderstand them and, by extension, fear them. Regardless, the heart of MIDNIGHT SPECIAL is the relationship between parent and child, and it shows just how high a child can reach when that parent supports them but also knows when to let them go so that they may fulfill their destiny on their own.
Highly recommended if you enjoyed films like TAKE SHELTER or KNOWING.
Check out MIDNIGHT SPECIAL official website and trailer | on IMDb | on Facebook | on Twitter
(Watched DVD on 7/28/2016)