The Vast of Night is one of the more impressive directorial debuts I’ve seen in quite some time. Andrew Patterson is a name to remember when it comes to up and coming directors. He and Craig W. Sanger wrote a brilliant script which made for my favorite film of 2020 so far. I haven’t seen a ton due to the theater situation but I’ve kept my eye out for a few and this one is an absolute must see for sci-fi fans and it’s available on Amazon Prime.
We are in Cayuga, New Mexico during the 1950’s following the story of one bizarre night with Fay Crocker, a young switchboard operator and Everett Sloan, a radio DJ. We quickly realize that Fay and Everett are friends in this small town and are two of the only people in Cayuga who don’t attend the local high school basketball game. Fay has to work the switchboard and Everett has a shift in the booth, so they go their separate ways until a strange audio frequency brings them back together for a wild ride. Holy hell, the cinematography in The Vast of Night is astonishing from Miguel Ioann Littin-Menz. It’s essential because there is so much power in the atmosphere that’s created by the camera following our characters so precisely. The budget was very small but Andrew Patterson and company didn’t let that stop them from making a brilliant sci-fi film that screams less is more which I happen to agree with. It also relies heavily on the performances from Sierra McCormick as Fay and Jake Horowitz as Everett. Both of them should find their niche after proving how talented they are in The Vast of Night. |