The movie follows the father (played by Michael Shannon) and his son, Alton (Jaeden Lieberher), as they go on the run to elude both religious extremists and local law enforcement, as well as to enable the father to find answers. Before they know it, though, they’re at the center of a massive manhunt, with even the federal government involved. Based on the trailer, the film will be both action-packed and emotional.
The preview also focuses on Alton’s powers. “What do you know about Alton Meyer?” we hear as the trailer begins. Multiple people answer, describing strange occurrences involving the boy, from things breaking to cars shutting down unexpectedly to visions that seem to have been planted by him. Word of mouth isn’t all we get, though; we see lights shake and crash down, he makes his hand glow, and more.
The film unites a talented cast, co-starring Joel Edgerton, Kirsten Dunst, Adam Driver, and Sam Shepard, in addition to Shannon and Lieberher, actors whose credits include films like Revolutionary Road, the TV series Fargo, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and more. Jeff Nichols, who directed and wrote the critically acclaimed films Mud and Take Shelter, again serves as writer and director. With Midnight Special, Nichols brought back actors he clearly knew and liked, including Shepard, who starred in Mud, and Shannon, who had roles in both films.
Sarah Green and Brian Kavanaugh-Jones produce, while Glen Basner, Hans Graffunder, and Christos V. Konstantakopoulos serve as executive producers.
Midnight Special is set for limited release on March 18.
