It’s odd to think that Jeff Nichols’ upcoming sci-fi thriller “Midnight Special” is Warner Bros.’ top secret film of the foreseeable future. We know more about WB’s ultra-secretive “Batman V. Superman: Dawn Of Justice” than we do about Nichols’ picture, obviously because Zack Snyder’s keynote of the DC Cinematic Universe is under the fanboy microscope. For months, all anyone has known is that the movie is John Carpenter-esque, but that’s about to change. The first trailer for “Midnight Special” has arrived, and it confirms that the film’s plot concerns a father and son going on the run after the dad learns his child possesses special powers.
“Midnight Special” stars Joel Edgerton, Adam Driver, Kirsten Dunst, Michael Shannon, Jaeden Lieberher (“St. Vincent”) and Sam Shepard. Here’s the official synopsis:
In the sci-fi thriller “Midnight Special,” writer/director Jeff Nichols proves again that he is one of the most compelling storytellers of our time, as a father (Michael Shannon), goes on the run to protect his young son, Alton (Jaeden Lieberher), and uncover the truth behind the boy’s special powers.
What starts as a race from religious extremists and local law enforcement quickly escalates to a nationwide manhunt involving the highest levels of the Federal Government. Ultimately his father risks everything to protect Alton and help fulfill a destiny that could change the world forever, in this genre–defying film as supernatural as it is intimately human.
Nichols made his name with various indies, but started to break through in a big way after the one two punch of “Mud” bolstered by the McConnaisance, Reese Witherspoon, and “Take Shelter” starring Shannon and Jessica Chastain. Now with a bigger budget and canvas, Nichols is stepping up to the big leagues in a major way (this movie presumably got him the gig to write “Aquaman” for Warner Bros.). "Midnight Special" is due March 18, 2016, and more of the film’s secrets are revealed in the trailer, so watch below and let us know what you think.