MIDNIGHT SPECIAL (2016)

Summary:

In this sci-fi thriller, a father, Roy, goes on the run with his young son, Alton, after discovering the boy possesses extraordinary powers. Alton's abilities make him a target for both a religious cult that believes him to be their savior and the U.S. government, which views him as a potential weapon or threat to national security.

As they evade capture, Roy and his allies must protect Alton and help him reach a mysterious destination by a specific date, all while uncovering the true nature of his powers and his ultimate purpose.

Keywords: Midnight Special, 2016, Michael Shannon, Jaeden Martell, Sci-Fi, Thriller, Drama, Superpowers, Government Chase.

Plot:

Roy Tomlin abducts his eight-year-old son, Alton Meyer, from a remote religious cult compound in Texas, aided by his friend, state trooper Lucas. Alton possesses unique abilities, including glowing eyes and the capacity to emit powerful energy waves, which require him to wear goggles and listen to specific radio frequencies to control. The cult, led by Calvin Meyer, believes Alton is a messianic figure, while the NSA and FBI, led by Paul Sevier, are tracking Alton due to his ability to intercept and broadcast highly classified information, believing him to be a weapon or a national security threat.

As they journey towards a location Alton has seen in visions, they reunite with Alton's mother, Sarah. Alton's powers grow stronger, causing electrical disturbances and attracting more attention. He reveals that he is not from Earth and that his kind communicates through specific radio frequencies and light. The group faces constant pursuit from both the cult, who want Alton back, and the government, who want to study or contain him. Alton explains that he must be at a specific location at a precise time during a celestial event to meet his true family.

Despite heavy losses and close calls, Roy, Sarah, and Lucas manage to get Alton to the designated coordinates. There, a massive, otherworldly structure emerges, and Alton joins other beings of light, revealing his true form. He bids an emotional farewell to his parents, explaining he was merely an emissary, and ascends with his people to their hidden world, leaving Roy, Sarah, and Lucas to face the aftermath and the bewildered authorities, now witnesses to an event beyond human comprehension.

Cast (Lead Roles):

• Michael Shannon as Roy Tomlin
• Jaeden Martell as Alton Meyer
• Joel Edgerton as Lucas
• Kirsten Dunst as Sarah
• Adam Driver as Paul Sevier

Crew:

• Director: Jeff Nichols
• Writer: Jeff Nichols
• Producer: Sarah Green, Brian Kavanaugh-Jones
• Composer: David Wingo

Release Info:

• Original Release Date: March 18, 2016 (USA)
• Language: English
• Genre: Sci-Fi, Drama, Thriller
• Running Time: 112 minutes
• Accolades: Nominated for the Golden Bear at the 66th Berlin International Film Festival.