The Vast of Night (2019) – Personal Review
Recently, I felt the urge to watch a large number of science-fiction films and started digging for titles I had somehow missed. Even though The Vast of Night was released back in 2019, I only discovered its existence quite recently (2025, at the time of writing this review).
After briefly skimming through some reviews, the film initially seemed potentially mediocre, and I didn’t expect much. However, I ended up being very pleasantly surprised. The entire film was excellent. Below is a more detailed breakdown of what worked for me.
This review contains story information, so read it after watching the film.
My overall score: 7.8
Story and Structure
The plot is well structured and follows a clear, continuous logical line. There are no stupid or outright pointless moments. From the very beginning, it’s obvious in the world that something feels “off” and not quite right. That said, the characters’ excitement over a strange audio signal feels understandable but somewhat unjustified. Why is it treated as something so unusual? Radio interference happens all the time - even today.
Another issue: why does Billy risk everything to inform a small, insignificant local radio station in New Mexico? If his story is true, that would realistically mean armed men knocking on his door sooner rather than later. No matter how old or detached from life he might be, this decision feels slightly illogical.
Despite these points, the film follows a reasonably consistent logic all the way through. There are no plot holes that can’t be explained, or at least none that are glaringly obvious.
As for predictability, most of what you expect to happen does happen. There are no major twists or shocking revelations. The story follows a clear pattern of introduction, buildup, and resolution.
I wasn’t a fan of the ending being so explicit. Leaving the audience in uncertainty might have worked better. There was a clear buildup of information and tension that needed some form of release, but what we ultimately see feels unnecessary.
Taking everything into account, I’d give this section 1.2 points.
The Sci-Fi World
There isn’t much to describe here, as the film is heavily focused on its main characters and reveals very little about the wider world. What Billy tells us is far from sufficient. What is the relationship between humanity and these visitors? Is the sound a way to influence humans? If people - and clearly the military - are aware of their existence, why hasn’t there been a more aggressive response?
Billy hints at certain things, and later Mabel Blanche provides a bit more information. With the help of Fay and Everett, we learn some local details, but it’s still not enough to form a clear picture of the larger context. Perhaps this is intentional, leaving room to expand the world in future stories.
There isn’t much science fiction here, but what is present is fairly well integrated into the film’s setting. 1.4 points.
Characters and Dialogue
I had a very positive impression of the main characters, Fay and Everett. Their dynamic is engaging, and they do an excellent job of conveying the world around them. The entire story is driven by action and dialogue, without explanatory monologues aimed at the audience.
All characters feel properly developed. They aren’t hollow figures existing solely to push the plot forward. Their behavior and personalities remain mostly consistent - perhaps Everett is even too consistent.
Consider this: a random audio signal appears - nothing particularly unusual or unprecedented - yet the characters immediately assume something extraordinary is happening and react in an exaggerated way. Later, when genuinely strange events unfold and Mabel tells her story about her son, Everett suddenly becomes distant and skeptical, unwilling to believe anything he hears.
This was the only moment that slightly annoyed me, though not enough to diminish my overall enjoyment. 1.6 points.
Narrative Cohesion
The story is clear and well defined from the start. There is no filler and no information included solely for the audience’s convenience. The film truly feels like cinema, something that’s surprisingly rare in larger productions.
The dialogue never feels forced, and there are no moral lectures or philosophical monologues. The tension feels natural and earned. 2.0 points.
Atmosphere, Cinematography, and Music
I really liked how the film recreates the atmosphere of the 1950s. I wasn’t alive back then, nor have I lived in the United States, but the visuals, mood, and overall presentation feel authentic. At times, it genuinely feels like a film made a decade earlier, something you might have watched on television around 1960.
The acting is excellent. Sierra McCormick (Fay) is outstanding, and both Gail Cronauer (Mabel Blanche) and Jake Horowitz (Everett) deliver strong performances as well.
There are no slow moments, no unnecessarily long shots, and I didn’t check my phone even once. The atmosphere is immersive and engaging. The music is solid - nothing particularly memorable or distinctive, but it fits the film well. 1.6 points.
Conclusion
Overall, this is a good film, and I don’t regret watching it at all. It’s not the best science fiction out there, but it’s significantly better than many films ranked below it on my list. I’d even say it’s a great choice for a Friday night watch.