6/13/20 - The Vast of the Night (2020) - 7+/10

An innovative and energetic “Twilight Zone” come to the big screen (which was not only evident but appreciated in the tube TV trappings). Snappy, in every way; from the ratatatat 50s dialogue, to the lively gremlin of a camera sneaking behind and below the action, to the consistently ramping and grippingly progressive sci-fi tale. It felt new and exciting when you might expect plain and limp; a usual story told in a unique way that made the entire film feel extraordinary.

It lingers In the mind. Hard to remember the last film to handle such a simplistic, single focused, grounded tale with such panache, fervor, and style. There is a vitality that emanates from the deft script and plucky actors, nourished by the playfully unique cinematic storytelling.

There is so much drama and excitement that swells from such humble means. But just because there is no fisticuffs with alien invaders nor outlandish CGI heavy nonsense, does not mean that this isn’t terrific spartan science fiction, a tremendous ode to the spooky TV tales of yore, or a brilliant little indie watch for our modern times. This was smart and quite strong, despite its obscurity or modest action & output.