Midnight Special

We’ve seen plenty of examples of science fiction dealing with spaceships or extraterrestrials, but Midnight Special is thrilling without the benefit of alien creatures or stranded astronauts.

Rather, the latest film from director Jeff Nichols (Mud) sets its supernatural concept among humans on Earth. While that doesn’t break new ground in itself, it shows how the genre can indulge in otherworldly quirks and fascinations while remaining emotionally grounded.

The story centers on Alton (Jaeden Lieberher), a quiet 8-year-old with extraordinary powers behind his awkward-looking goggles. But exactly what his unusual gift can do, and why he’s acquired it, remain cloudy while attracting the curiosity of everyone around him.

He’s been staying at a rural Texas commune known as The Ranch under the auspices of a preacher (Sam Shepard) whose intentions are unclear. Then his biological father, a troubled drifter named Roy (Michael Shannon), abducts the youngster and flees both from church members and from various government agencies, including an NSA investigator (Adam Driver) who seems to ask the right questions.

As he runs out of options in a desperate attempt to protect his son, Roy enlists the help of a close friend and former state trooper (Joel Edgerton), along with Alton’s mother (Kirsten Dunst). Yet the boy offers only cryptic clues to his guardians. “They’re coming,” he says while pointing to the sky.

The character-driven screenplay by Nichols gradually builds suspense as details are revealed about the characters and their motives, while it retains an intriguing sense of ambiguity with regard to the specifics of Alton’s powers.

The film works on multiple levels, as a provocative examination or religious extremism, a portrait of childhood innocence, and a glimpse into the struggles of fatherhood. Stylistically, it’s somewhat of a throwback to sci-fi from a generation ago.

Shannon, teaming with Nichols for the fourth time, brings depth and sympathy to a role that seems creepy and unscrupulous on the surface. Meanwhile, Lieberher (St. Vincent) is mysterious yet expressive in a portrayal that features little dialogue and limited body language.

Midnight Special is well crafted, even if it’s sometimes overwhelmed by eccentricities along with some heavy existential and technological ruminations. Still, at least it’s cerebral and ambitious.

Stylish and sophisticated, the film skillfully mixes genres and doesn’t overdose on spectacle or special effects while depicting its close encounter.

Rated PG-13, 111 minutes.