In the Shadow of the Moon

IN THE SHADOW OF THE MOON - Netflix

In the Shadow of the Moon is not disappointing per se yet with such a strong and intriguing science fiction narrative on offer, Jim Mickle's film sadly disappoints with its direction and overall arc that promises big but fizzles out in a meandering fashion.

The concept is no doubt captivating, but the less said, the better for audiences. Simply put, every nine years a series of murders erupt in Philadephia with unknown motive spanning from 1988 to 2024. Following the investigation is rookie cop Locke, played by Boyd Holbrook. Jim Mickle's film can not live up to the expectation and potential of which film itself crafts in such a high-concept purely out of how the narrative - written by Gregory Weidman and Geoffrey Tock - fails to capitalise on the material.

The investigation and enigmatic mystery surrounding the murders is a strong aspect the film holds. It’s only until it begins to dive deep into the "why" and "who” that the whole infrastructure crumbles; the answers are not only underwhelming but quite clearly devised by people who have taken the most straightforward manner of twists found in screenwriting 101. The reveal is meant to have an emotionally powerful conviction but just leads to unnecessary head-scratching, not because the twists and turns are convoluted or a methodical exploration of existent, oh no, they are purely implemented due to the fact that they wrap up the film in the most ingenuous and condensed method imaginable.

The performances do not particularly impress either. Holbrook has the bulk of material provided; unfortunately, he fails to captivate the audience with a lacking and flat role that seemingly processes his emotions on the surface without added depth or an inkling of flavour. It is all by the book: drained and rudimentary. The supporting cast is more of the same with drastically cut depth provided. Michael C. Hall is massively wasted with an arc more or less useless; his character adds absolutely zero in regards to all departments.

Jim Mickle's film all round is one inconsequential gargantuan disappointment. In the Shadow of the Moon is a film that does not keep its end of the bargain with a sanitised depiction of the science fiction narrative that wastes every opportunity ranging from the entire cast of performances to the cinematography. Mickle fails to inject layers of something distinctive in all departments, and in turn regurgitates the accustomed depiction of genre convention and creates a visual palette so dull it pains the eyes.

In the Shadow of the Moon is released exclusively on Netflix September 27, 2019