A nostalgic Sci-Fi Thriller
Imagine stumbling upon a strange radio signal—one that suggests something otherworldly is happening right above your town. That’s the eerie premise of The Vast of Night, a mesmerizing indie sci-fi film set in the 1950s.
Directed by Andrew Patterson, this slow-burn thriller follows a young radio DJ and a switchboard operator as they uncover an unsettling mystery that could change everything they know. While drenched in nostalgia, the film's themes—conspiracy theories, media influence, and our endless search for truth—make it feel incredibly relevant today. With government disclosures on unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs), The Vast of Night resonates more than ever, making it a must-watch for sci-fi fans and skeptics alike.
Plot Overview: A Night of Discovery
Set in the fictional town of Cayuga, New Mexico, The Vast of Night unfolds over a single evening. The story follows Everett (Jake Horowitz), a confident, fast-talking radio DJ with a knack for electronics, and Fay (Sierra McCormick), a curious and intelligent teenage switchboard operator.
As the town gathers for a high school basketball game, Fay picks up a strange, rhythmic signal on the switchboard. She alerts Everett, who broadcasts it live on his radio show, asking listeners if they recognize the sound. A mysterious caller named Billy shares a chilling story about secret military operations and forgotten soldiers. Then, an elderly woman named Mabel delivers a haunting monologue, hinting at government cover-ups and alien abductions.
As Everett and Fay chase the truth, they find themselves drawn to the outskirts of town, where an encounter with the unknown leaves them—and the audience—questioning everything.
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A Unique Filmmaking Style – Patterson employs long, unbroken takes, dim lighting, and vintage framing that make the film feel like an old radio drama.
Atmospheric Sound Design – The eerie radio static, distant hums, and crackling phone lines create an immersive experience.
A Love Letter to Classic Sci-Fi – The film pays homage to The Twilight Zone and old-school UFO conspiracies, making it a nostalgic yet fresh experience.
Slow-Burning Suspense – The film masterfully builds tension, relying on dialogue and sound rather than flashy special effects.
More Than Just a Sci-Fi Film
A Mirror to Modern Anxieties and Timeless Truths
The Vast of Night transcends its sci-fi roots to deliver a thought-provoking exploration of themes that resonate deeply with our current moment. It’s not just a story about the unknown—it’s a reflection of our collective fears, hopes, and the ways we navigate an increasingly complex world.
Fear of the Unknown: A Timeless Human Experience
The film taps into the universal unease surrounding the unfamiliar—whether it’s the mysteries of the cosmos, the rapid advancement of technology, or the unpredictability of global events. In an era where headlines often feel like they’re pulled from a dystopian novel, The Vast of Night captures the tension of living in a world where answers are elusive and the future feels uncertain. It’s a reminder that the unknown has always been a source of both fear and fascination.Shaping Truth in the Age of Information
Through its use of radio broadcasts, the film underscores how media shapes our understanding of the world. Just as the characters in the film piece together fragments of information, we too navigate a landscape dominated by social media, 24-hour news cycles, and the spread of misinformation. The Vast of Night invites us to question: Who controls the narrative, and how does it influence what we believe?Amplifying Marginalized Voices
The film shines a light on those often pushed to the margins of history, emphasizing the importance of listening to voices that are frequently ignored. Two key characters embody this theme: Mabel Blanche, an older woman whose account of strange occurrences is initially dismissed, and Billy, a black man who calls into Everett’s radio show to share his harrowing experience with unexplained phenomena. Both characters carry stories that challenge the status quo, yet their narratives are met with skepticism or indifference by those in power.Billy’s story, in particular, is a powerful moment in the film. His testimony about witnessing mysterious events while working on a military base is layered with historical weight, hinting at the systemic erasure of marginalized perspectives, especially those of Black Americans during the mid-20th century. By giving space to these voices, The Vast of Night not only enriches its mystery but also underscores a broader truth: history is often incomplete because it silences those who don’t fit into dominant narratives. The film challenges us to consider whose stories we value—and whose we overlook.
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Outstanding Performances – Sierra McCormick and Jake Horowitz bring natural charm and depth to their roles.
Inventive Cinematography – M.I. Littin-Menz’s camera work, including an impressive long tracking shot through the town, enhances the film’s immersive quality.
A Fresh Take on UFO Lore – Instead of relying on spectacle, the film builds intrigue through storytelling and sound.
The Meaning of the Ending: A Metaphor for the Unknown
One of the most captivating aspects of The Vast of Night is the mysterious fate of its central characters: Fay and Everett, (and the baby). The film’s ending leaves their ultimate destiny deliberately unclear, sparking endless debate among viewers. Did they vanish in an alien abduction? Were they vaporized by some unseen force, leaving no trace behind? Or did they simply walk away, unharmed but forever changed by their encounter with the unexplained?
The film refuses to provide definitive answers, instead inviting audiences to draw their own conclusions. This ambiguity is central to its power, as it mirrors the uncertainty we often feel when faced with the unknown. However you interpret their disappearance, the ending lingers in your mind, prompting you to grapple with what you believe—and why.
Regardless of interpretation, The Vast of Night thrives on its unsettling ambiguity, much like the real-life UFO stories that continue to capture our imagination.
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The movie was filmed in Whitney, Texas in September 2016.
The movie was filmed in 17 days in September 2016.
According to the director in a New York Times article the film takes place in November, 1958.
The movie's radio station call letters, WOTW, are a tribute to War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells.
The town name, Cayuga, comes from Rod Serling's production company, Cayuga Productions, which produced The Twilight Zone.
The population of fictional Cayuga, New Mexico is 492.
The lead-in at the beginning is a clear reference to the lead-in of Rod Serling's The Twilight Zone (1959).
The movie's opening scene was deliberately overwhelming to establish the characters and create tension.
The long take sequence where Fay sends Everett a signal was created using four practical shots and CGI transitions.
The movie's director, Andrew Patterson, was inspired by 71 by Yann Demange and All the President's Men by Alan J. Pakula.
The movie's goal was to feel like a Richard Linklater movie with a sci-fi adventure.
Santa Mira is mentioned a few times. Santa Mira is also the name of the fictional California town in Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956).
The Cayuga High School gym floor was sanded down and refinished to remove 3-point lines and volleyball lines and repainted to have a narrow skeleton key lane.
The name of the character Renny is a reference to actor Michael Rennie, who played the alien Klaatu in The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951).
Final Thoughts: A Sci-Fi Mystery That Stays With You
The Vast of Night is a gripping indie sci-fi film that blends 1950s nostalgia with eerie modern-day relevance. Through mesmerizing cinematography, compelling performances, and a suspenseful plot, the film explores themes of media influence, government secrecy, and humanity’s endless search for answers.
At its heart, The Vast of Night is a story about connection. The bond between Everett and Fay—a quirky, endearing duo—anchors the film in warmth and humanity. Their partnership reminds us that, even in the face of the inexplicable, we don’t have to face it alone. In an age of isolation and division, their friendship is a testament to the power of unity and shared curiosity.Critical Reception: A Sci-Fi Gem
Overall, The Vast of Night is widely regarded as a sci-fi gem, particularly for fans of atmospheric, cerebral storytelling. Its meticulously crafted suspense, engaging lead characters, and love letter to classic science fiction make it a standout indie film. While its slow-burn style and ambiguous ending may not appeal to all viewers, critics agree that it is a remarkable achievement in indie filmmaking, offering a fresh and intelligent take on UFO lore.
Upon its release in 2019, The Vast of Night received critical acclaim for its intelligent storytelling and innovative cinematography. With a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, many critics compared it to Close Encounters of the Third Kind and The X-Files.
If you’re fascinated by UFO mysteries, classic sci-fi, and slow-burning suspense, The Vast of Night is a must-watch.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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No, but it draws inspiration from real UFO sightings and government conspiracy theories.
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Its long, unbroken takes, retro radio-drama aesthetic, and focus on dialogue-driven suspense.
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With increased government disclosures on UFOs, the film’s themes of secrecy and the unknown resonate more than ever.
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No—it’s more of a suspenseful sci-fi mystery with eerie elements rather than traditional horror.
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It was filmed over 17 days in Whitney, Texas, a small town that enhances its 1950s small-town atmosphere.
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Directed by Andrew Patterson
Written by: James Montague and Craig W. Sanger
Produced by: James Montague, Melissa Kirkendall, and Adam Dietrich
Starring:
Cinematography: M. I. Littin-Menz
Edited by: Junius Tully
Music by: Erick Alexander and Jared Bulmer
Production Company: GED Cinema
Distributed by:Amazon Studios
Release dates:
January 26, 2019 (Slamdance)
May 29, 2020 (United States)
Running time: 89 minutes
Country: United States
Language: English
Budget: $700,000
