The Midnight Sky

Movie Trailer

Release Date
December 23, 2020

Genre
Sci-Fi, Drama

Cast & Crew

• George Clooney as Dr. Augustine Lofthouse
• Felicity Jones as Sully
• David Oyelowo as Commander Tom Adewole
• Caoilinn Springall as Iris
• Tiffany Boone as Maya
• Demián Bichir as Sanchez
• Kyle Chandler as Mitchell

Director
George Clooney

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Good Night, and Good Luck (2005)
• The Ides of March (2011)
• Suburbicon (2017)
• The Monuments Men (2014)

Producer
Grant Heslov, George Clooney, Keith Redmon, Bard Dorros, Cliff Roberts

Writer
Mark L. Smith (based on the novel Good Morning, Midnight by Lily Brooks-Dalton)

Budget
$100 million

Production Company
Smokehouse Pictures, Anonymous Content, Syndicate Films, Netflix

Running Time
118 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
PG-13 (for some strong language, sci-fi violence, and disturbing images)

Content Advisory

• Intense sci-fi peril
• Strong language
• Themes of isolation and survival
• Mild violence

Movie Story
The Midnight Sky is a post-apocalyptic science fiction drama that follows Dr. Augustine Lofthouse (George Clooney), a lone scientist stationed in the Arctic Circle, as he races against time to prevent a returning space crew from heading back to a devastated Earth. The film is set in the near future, where a mysterious global catastrophe has rendered the planet uninhabitable, and the remnants of humanity are scattered and struggling for survival.

Dr. Lofthouse, who is terminally ill, discovers a young girl named Iris (Caoilinn Springall) who has been left behind at his remote observatory. Together, they embark on a perilous journey across the frozen Arctic to reach a communications outpost, where Augustine hopes to warn the crew of the spaceship Aether—including astronaut Sully (Felicity Jones) and her fellow crew members—of the dire situation on Earth.

Meanwhile, aboard the Aether, the crew is unaware of the catastrophe that has unfolded on their home planet as they make their way back from a mission to explore a potentially habitable moon orbiting Jupiter. As Augustine and Iris struggle against the harsh elements and their own personal demons, the crew faces their own challenges in deep space, including technical malfunctions and the psychological toll of their long journey.

The film weaves together these two parallel stories, exploring themes of isolation, hope, and the human spirit’s resilience in the face of overwhelming odds. The Midnight Sky is a visually stunning and emotionally poignant film that delves into the consequences of humanity’s actions and the enduring desire for connection, even in the darkest of times.

Special Effects
The Midnight Sky features impressive special effects that bring its post-apocalyptic Earth and the vastness of space to life. The film’s visual effects are used to create the harsh, icy landscape of the Arctic, as well as the stunning sequences aboard the Aether. The depiction of space travel, including the spaceship’s intricate interiors and the expansive views of the cosmos, adds a sense of realism and scale to the narrative. The CGI is seamlessly integrated into the film, enhancing the storytelling without overshadowing the emotional core of the story.

Box Office Performance
The Midnight Sky was released on Netflix, bypassing a traditional theatrical release. While specific viewership numbers were not disclosed, the film garnered significant attention on the platform, particularly due to George Clooney’s involvement as both star and director. The film received mixed reviews from critics, with praise for its visual effects and performances but some criticism for its pacing and narrative structure.

Filming Locations

• Iceland
• Canary Islands, Spain
• England, UK

Notable Quotes

• “I have to warn them about what they’re walking into.” – Dr. Augustine Lofthouse
• “We’ve come too far to turn back now.” – Sully
• “There’s no one left to listen.” – Dr. Augustine Lofthouse

Behind-the-Scenes

• The film was shot in various locations, including Iceland, where the challenging Arctic scenes were filmed. George Clooney took on the dual role of director and lead actor, pushing himself physically and creatively to bring the story to life.
• The Midnight Sky is based on the novel Good Morning, Midnight by Lily Brooks-Dalton, though the film makes several changes to the source material, particularly in its depiction of the relationship between Augustine and the crew of the Aether.
• Felicity Jones was pregnant during filming, which led to the decision to incorporate her pregnancy into the storyline, adding an additional layer of emotion and complexity to her character, Sully.

Awards

• Academy Awards: Nominated for Best Visual Effects
• BAFTA Awards: Nominated for Best Special Visual Effects
• Critics’ Choice Awards: Nominated for Best Visual Effects

Final Verdict
The Midnight Sky is an ambitious and visually striking film that explores profound themes of isolation, survival, and hope in the face of global catastrophe. George Clooney delivers a strong performance as the solitary and determined Dr. Augustine Lofthouse, while the film’s impressive special effects and cinematography create a hauntingly beautiful portrayal of both Earth and space. Although the pacing may be slow for some viewers, and the narrative’s emotional impact is uneven, The Midnight Sky offers a thought-provoking and visually captivating experience that lingers long after the credits roll.

IMDb Rating
5.6/10