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The Vast of Night

Play trailer 2:04 Poster for The Vast of Night PG-13 2020 1h 30m Fantasy Mystery & Thriller Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
92% Tomatometer 249 Reviews 66% Popcornmeter 1,000+ Ratings
In the 1950s, two kids search for the source of a mysterious frequency that has descended on their town.
The Vast of Night

What to Know

Critics Consensus

An engrossing sci-fi thriller that transcends its period trappings, The Vast of Night suggests great things for debuting director Andrew Patterson.

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Critics Reviews

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Robert Levin Newsday Feb 5, 2021
3.5/4
"The Vast of Night" is an entertaining sci-fi nostalgia piece that's made with an unusually high level of technical flair. Go to Full Review
Nick Schager The Daily Beast Feb 2, 2021
A low-fi genre gem that proves the age-old maxim that less is often more-especially when such minimalism is wielded by gifted artists. Go to Full Review
Adam Nayman The Ringer Jan 27, 2021
The technical proficiency of Patterson's debut is off the charts, and it'll be interesting to see if and how this gifted filmmaker manages to maintain his independence... Go to Full Review
James Profetto Reel James (YouTube) Jul 4, 2026
8/10
Yeah, I'm not going to forget about this sci-fi movie anytime soon. Go to Full Review
Eddie Harrison film-authority.com Jul 28, 2025
4/5
...The Vast of Night is a low-budget but easily accessible sci-fi drama that keeps the scale small, but also has enough razzle-dazzle in the presentation to mark it as a must-watch for genre fans... Go to Full Review
Julian Singleton Cinapse Jul 12, 2025
It’s a sci-fi story electrifyingly told, one that seeks unexpected and innovative ways of sparking a wonder in its audience that may have grown dormant after exposure to endless big-budget franchises. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Ella R @ella.ramirez8908 2 days ago I wish I found it as engaging as some of the people on here but it was kind of just a bit boring? Felt very slow and aimless. Got better by the end but still not sure I’d recommend it. See more Mavi P @MaviLeblebi 2 days ago Good. I like it See more AJ B @AJ_BEAN Aug 8, 2026 This was interesting and unique. Really low budget, weird filming, too much dialouge... BUTTTT surprisingly entertaining. SCI FI-8/10 had cool ideas but not much actual sci fi footage. ORGINALITY 10/10 vey unique. CHARACTERS- 10/10 good personality. EMOTIONAL DEPTH 0/10 stakes did not feel high at all. ENGAGING PACING 6/10. THOUGHT PROVOKING 10/10 cool scene with old lady. ACTING 5/10 a bit dramatic tone. VISUALS 0/10 i could have ehad a better camera. See more Jack O @RT81003539 Jul 5, 2026 Loved this! Great idea - and it's got that spooky atmosphere. The two leads are great - but Sierra McCormick is absolutely magnificent. She really carries the film. Ending is a little underwhelming but still pretty good. Terrific film overall. See more Kau M @KauaMiguel Jul 4, 2026 It’s cut from the same cloth as *Pontypool* when it comes to building suspense; the sense of sheer desperation might not be quite as intense, but the intrigue—keeping you on the edge of your seat, wondering what’s real and how it will all play out—makes for a far better experience. The characters have distinct personalities and work brilliantly as a team. What a movie, folks—the immersion is incredible! See more Mike M @XJ10Toy Jun 4, 2026 absolutely nailed the vibe of a 50's scary sci-fi movie. sound editors get points for solid audio production, helps maintain a taut storyline. cgi fans need not apply. See more Read all reviews
The Vast of Night

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Movie Info

Synopsis In the 1950s, two kids search for the source of a mysterious frequency that has descended on their town.
Director
Andrew Patterson
Producer
Adam Dietrich, Melissa Kirkendall, James Montague
Screenwriter
James Montague
Distributor
Amazon Studios
Production Co
GED Cinema
Rating
PG-13 (Brief Strong Language)
Genre
Fantasy, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
May 15, 2020, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
May 31, 2020
Runtime
1h 30m
Aspect Ratio
Scope (2.35:1)
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