Midnight Special

It reviews better than it plays — admired more than it is enjoyed.

• “Midnight Special confirms Nichols' uncommon knack for breathing dramatic integrity and emotional depth into genre material.”

  David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter · 100

• “Nichols’ impressively restrained yet limitlessly imaginative fourth feature takes its energy from an ensemble of characters who hold fast to their convictions, even though their beliefs remain shrouded in mystery for much of the journey.”

  Peter Debruge, Variety · 100

• “This is a very raw, sad, and beautiful film about faith and fatherhood, and it feels just as grounded and big-hearted as the other films Nichals has made.”

  Drew McWeeny, Hitfix · 100

• “Midnight Special respects your intelligence, letting you come to its themes emotionally instead of narratively. It is a breathtaking display of visual storytelling, confidently rendered by someone who understands the power of cinema.”

  Brian Tallerico, RogerEbert.com · 100

• “Midnight Special announces the arrival of a filmmaker in total control of his technique as well as our emotions. A bravura science-fiction thriller that explores emotional areas like parenthood and the nature of belief, it's a riveting genre exercise as well as something more.”

  Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times · 100