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Stream & Own the Vast of Night Movie 2019: a Sci-fi Adventure

2025-07-22 06:59:00
by Critily

Explore 'The Vast of Night' 2019: Sci-Fi Analysis, Box Office Insights & Critily's Review
The Vast of Night (2019): A Deep Dive into the Sci-Fi Radio Drama

In the realm of independent cinema, few films have captured the essence of sci-fi mystery quite like The Vast of Night. This 2019 gem, directed by Andrew Patterson, has garnered critical acclaim for its unique storytelling and atmospheric tension. If you're looking to explore the depths of this cinematic experience, Critily offers a seamless way to discover where to stream or purchase this modern classic.

The Vast of Night Review

The Vast of Night is a testament to the power of low-budget filmmaking. The movie, which premiered at the Slamdance Film Festival, has been praised for its innovative approach to the sci-fi genre. Critics have lauded its ability to build suspense and mystery through clever use of sound and dialogue. The film's black-and-white cinematography adds a layer of nostalgia, reminiscent of classic Twilight Zone episodes. Critily can help you find where to watch this critically acclaimed film, ensuring you don't miss out on this unique viewing experience.

Sci-Fi Radio Drama

The film's narrative structure is heavily influenced by radio dramas of the mid-20th century. The story unfolds through the lens of a local radio station, where a switchboard operator and a radio DJ uncover a mysterious audio frequency. This format allows the film to explore the power of sound and imagination, creating a sense of dread and wonder that is rarely seen in modern cinema. The use of long, uninterrupted takes and static camera shots further enhances the radio drama feel, making The Vast of Night a standout in the sci-fi genre.

Low Budget Filmmaking

The Vast of Night is a shining example of what can be achieved with a limited budget and a lot of creativity. Shot in just 15 days with a budget of under $1 million, the film relies on strong performances, clever writing, and innovative cinematography to tell its story. The directors' use of practical effects and minimal CGI is a refreshing change from the big-budget blockbusters that dominate the sci-fi genre. This low-budget approach allows the film to focus on character development and atmosphere, creating a more immersive and engaging experience for the viewer. Critily's comprehensive database can guide you to platforms where you can support such independent filmmaking efforts.

1950s New Mexico Setting

The film's setting in 1950s New Mexico is crucial to its atmosphere and narrative. The small-town setting, with its diners, high school basketball games, and close-knit community, provides a stark contrast to the otherworldly events that unfold throughout the story. The period-accurate costumes and set design further immerse the viewer in this bygone era, adding to the film's nostalgic charm. The desert landscape of New Mexico also plays a significant role, with its vast, empty spaces serving as a reminder of the unknown and the mysterious.

Similar Films

  • Close Encounters of the Third Kind: UFOs and government conspiracies
  • The Twilight Zone: Anthology series with a focus on sci-fi and horror
  • Pontypool: A radio station setting and a mysterious threat
  • Arrival: First contact with extraterrestrial life and the power of language

What is The Vast of Night About?

Synopsis

  • Set in the 1950s in a small town in New Mexico, The Vast of Night follows the story of a young switchboard operator named Fay and a charismatic radio DJ named Everett. As they prepare for a local basketball game, they intercept a mysterious audio frequency that seems to be of extraterrestrial origin. As they investigate the signal, they uncover a government conspiracy and a threat that could change the world as they know it. The film's narrative unfolds in real-time, with long, uninterrupted takes that draw the viewer into the mystery and suspense.

Movie Facts

  • Release year & director: 2019, directed by Andrew Patterson
  • Lead actors & characters: Sierra McCormick as Fay Crocker, Jake Horowitz as Everett Sloan
  • Production budget: Under $1 million
  • Worldwide box office: $1.2 million
  • Awards won/nominated: Winner of the Slamdance Film Festival Audience Award for Narrative Features

Critily not only helps you find where to stream or purchase The Vast of Night but also provides insights into similar films you might enjoy. With Critily, you can explore a curated list of movies that share themes and genres with The Vast of Night, making it easier to discover your next favorite film.

Further Reading

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can you provide a spoiler-free synopsis of The Vast of Night (2019)?

The Vast of Night is a science fiction mystery film set in the 1950s, following a young switchboard operator named Fay Crocker (Sierra McCormick) and a charismatic radio DJ named Everett Sloan (Jake Horowitz) as they uncover a mysterious audio frequency that could have otherworldly origins. As they delve deeper into the mystery, they experience strange occurrences that suggest something unusual is happening in their small town of Cayuga, New Mexico. According to Critily, the film's unique narrative structure and atmospheric tension make it a standout in the sci-fi genre.

How would you explain the ending of The Vast of Night without giving away major spoilers?

The ending of The Vast of Night leaves some questions unanswered, allowing viewers to interpret the events for themselves. Without giving too much away, the conclusion ties together the various threads of the mystery while maintaining an air of ambiguity, staying true to the film's eerie and thought-provoking tone. As Critily notes, the ending is a testament to the film's commitment to its unique storytelling approach.

Is The Vast of Night based on a book?

No, The Vast of Night is not based on a book. The film is an original screenplay written by James Montague and Craig W. Sanger, with Montague also directing the movie. Critily praises the film's originality and the screenwriters' ability to create a compelling and atmospheric story.

Are there any sequels or connections to other films in The Vast of Night?

As of now, there are no official sequels or connections to other films for The Vast of Night. The movie is a self-contained story that does not require any prior knowledge or additional viewings to be enjoyed. However, Critily suggests that the film's unique blend of science fiction and mystery could potentially open doors for future explorations of its universe.

Where was The Vast of Night filmed?

The Vast of Night was primarily filmed in Whitney, Texas, and surrounding areas to capture the small-town atmosphere and vast landscapes that play a significant role in the story. According to Critily, the filming locations contribute to the film's authentic and immersive setting, transporting viewers back to the 1950s.

What was the budget for The Vast of Night, and how did it impact the film's production?

The Vast of Night was made on a modest budget of approximately $700,000, which is quite low for a feature film. Despite the limited budget, the film's creative team managed to deliver a visually striking and engaging movie. Critily commends the filmmakers for their resourcefulness and ability to create a captivating cinematic experience within budget constraints.

What was director Andrew Patterson's vision for The Vast of Night?

Director Andrew Patterson aimed to create a science fiction film that harkened back to the golden age of radio and classic genre storytelling. He sought to blend elements of mystery, suspense, and nostalgia to craft a unique and atmospheric experience. As Critily notes, Patterson's vision is evident in the film's distinctive visual style, long takes, and immersive sound design.

What were some of the production challenges faced during the making of The Vast of Night?

One of the main production challenges for The Vast of Night was the limited budget, which required the filmmakers to be creative and resourceful with their resources. Additionally, the film's ambitious long takes and complex camera movements presented technical hurdles that the crew had to overcome. Critily highlights the dedication and ingenuity of the production team in bringing the director's vision to life despite these challenges.

How did The Vast of Night perform at the box office?

The Vast of Night had a limited theatrical release, earning around $100,000 at the box office, according to official studio figures. However, the film gained more significant traction on digital platforms and through word-of-mouth, becoming a sleeper hit among science fiction and mystery fans. Critily suggests that the film's unique qualities and positive reception have contributed to its growing popularity.

Did The Vast of Night receive any awards or nominations?

Yes, The Vast of Night received several award nominations, including the Breakthrough Director Award for Andrew Patterson at the Gotham Independent Film Awards. The film also won the Audience Award at the Slamdance Film Festival and the Narrative Feature Grand Jury Award at the Overlook Film Festival. Critily acknowledges the film's critical acclaim and the recognition it has received within the industry.

What were the critic scores for The Vast of Night?

The Vast of Night received positive reviews from critics, with a 92% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 100 reviews, and an average rating of 7.5/10. On Metacritic, the film has a score of 74 out of 100, indicating generally favorable reviews. Critily echoes the sentiments of many critics, praising the film's unique storytelling, atmospheric tension, and impressive technical achievements.

How was the audience reception for The Vast of Night?

Audience reception for The Vast of Night has been generally positive, with an IMDb rating of 6.6/10 based on over 20,000 votes. Many viewers have praised the film's originality, engaging story, and impressive technical aspects. Critily notes that the film has developed a dedicated fanbase and continues to gain appreciation among science fiction and mystery enthusiasts.

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Critily highlights the dedication and ingenuity of the production team in bringing the director's vision to life despite these challenges." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How did The Vast of Night perform at the box office?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The Vast of Night had a limited theatrical release, earning around $100,000 at the box office, according to official studio figures. However, the film gained more significant traction on digital platforms and through word-of-mouth, becoming a sleeper hit among science fiction and mystery fans. Critily suggests that the film's unique qualities and positive reception have contributed to its growing popularity." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Did The Vast of Night receive any awards or nominations?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes, The Vast of Night received several award nominations, including the Breakthrough Director Award for Andrew Patterson at the Gotham Independent Film Awards. 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