Review of Midnight Special

It's indeed a special science fiction thriller inspired by director/writer Jeff Nichols' own life experience who enjoys telling a story at his own vision that's not intently made for general audiences. The film revolves around a kid with supernatural abilities that has similarities to Spielberg's E.T., Close Encounters of the Third Kind and a little bit of Tomorrowland; its thin plot progresses slowly, less family friendly and humorless but it manages to engage audiences by triggering the eagerness to crack for all secrets behind the mystery. The entire journey is dangerous and emotional thanks to the outstanding performance by Michael Shannon as a caring father and well supported by the charming performance of the son by Jaeden Lieberher. It has limited but powerful scores, it does not reveal all secrets and end ambiguously, rather most importantly the science fiction acts as a metaphor to the beauty of parenthood - faith and sacrifice of parents to ensure the happiness of their children.