- BOTTOM LINE: Flat Narrative Overrides Thrilling Parts
Rating: 2.25/5
| Platform: Netflix | Genre: Mystery/Suspense |
What Is the Story About?
In the year 1988, Police Officer Thomas Lockhart (Boyd Holbrook) finds a trail of murders. He connects them all to a single identity looking at the common marks behind the back. He pursues the case seriously as solving it would make him a detective. Lockhart with great pain catches the killer only to see her die while escaping.
Nine years later, the killings of 1998 repeat with the same pattern and marks. Now, a detective, Lockhart is shocked to find the killer. Why is he shocked? Who is the killer and why are murders happening is what the movie is all about?
Performances?
In the year 1988, Police Officer Thomas Lockhart (Boyd Holbrook) finds a trail of murders. He connects them all to a single identity looking at the common marks behind the back. He pursues the case seriously as solving it would make him a detective. Lockhart with great pain catches the killer only to see her die while escaping.
Nine years later, the killings of 1998 repeat with the same pattern and marks. Now, a detective, Lockhart is shocked to find the killer. Why is he shocked? Who is the killer and why are murders happening is what the movie is all about?
Analysis
The story of In The Shadow Of The Moon is simple yet complicated. It is so because of the presence of time travel. Director Jim Mickle does a subpar work with it and delivers an un-engaging and tiring watch.
There are elements of thrill from the start, but the way they are segued as part of the narrative leaves a lot to be desired. It is evident with the first act itself. The plain and dull drama executed loosely is what brings the interest down.
While the drama continues to be subpar, the excitement is brought in parts when even there is an action. Despite the disintegrating effort, one continues to watch the proceedings only to find out the real mystery.
The core plot involving the killing and the whole idea behind the sci-fi introduction is neat. But, by the time, we get to know all this, there is no interest left. We are only looking at the closure to put an end. Having come all the way up to that point.
The weak direction doesn’t let the story reach its true potential. We can see the real impact in only a few scenes. Also, the confusion and questions that arise towards the end seem unanswered. Upon some thought, one might get the whole thing which then would make one realise how simple it has been all along.
Overall, In The Shadow Of The Moon has a decent plot that has scope for a neat thriller. What we get is a frustratingly passable one, in the end.
Other Artists?
There are a few other parts in the movie besides the lead, but none have a neatly written role. They are half-baked and poorly etched, which includes one involving Michael C Hall. He is wasted, in an underwritten part mouthing the same lines again and repeating the same mistakes again and again.
Cleopatra Coleman has a crucial role, and she has three instances to make an impression. She does that in the final sequence. Rudi Dharmalingam is alright. The character literally goes missing for a large part. Bokeem Woodbine has a one-dimensional part which never rises above its limitations.
Music and Other Departments?
Jeff Grace’s background score is superb. It brings alive the thrilling parts. There is a haunting quality imparted to the proceedings thanks to his music. The cinematography by David Lanzenberg is adequate. He could have captured the visuals of various decades in a more captivating manner. The editing by Michael Barenbaum is okay. He tries his best to keep the narrative sharp, but the screenplay and mix of genres don’t let it have that effect. The writing by Gregory Weidman and Geoff Tock is ordinary. The combination of writing and direction is what makes an exciting premise dull.
Highlights?
Story
Thrill Elements
Background Score
Drawbacks?
Direction
Writing
Weak Supporting Parts
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes, very few parts
Will You Recommend It?
Yes, but with huge reservations
In The Shadow of the Moon Movie Review by Siddartha Toleti
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