The Vast Of Night is a period scifi film that takes place in a small town in New Mexico in the 1950's. It follows two teens- a DJ Everett(Jake Horowitz) and a switchboard operator Faye(Sierra McCormick)- as they discover and investigate a mysterious radio signal over the course of an evening while most of the town is at a high school basketball game.
Horowitz and McCormick give wonderfully dimensional performances, conveying the period with an ease in affectation and looseness that bolster the already fluid and immersive feeling of the film. Horowitz, looking a little like Buddy Holly, channels this kind of straight-laced Beat charm and McCormick a sensitive but discerning exuberance. Neither overtly "plays" their age and it is exceedingly more believable because they don't act as if being a teen is synonymous with being obtuse. Although they are the main focus the supporting cast, full of unknowns, all do well and there are a couple stand out monologues from a radio caller and a reclusive old lady. The cast was clearly assembled methodically, with a focus on realism which gives the creeping dread of the unknown outside force even more weight.
Visually the film is stunning, especially for an indie. There are protracted takes where the camera follows Faye as she runs through the town or by itself gliding through fields and streets, it's beautiful but also compounds the tension as the film progresses. A minimal score and diegetic period hits of the time make for an incredibly immersive and surprising piece of filmmaking.
A simple exceedingly effective throwback science fiction yarn. Reminiscent of a quality Twilight Zone episode.
Currently streaming on Amazon.
See It.
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