The Vast of Night

The Vast of Night

From Forgotten Cinema by Michael Butler & Michael Field

June 10, 2026 · 42 min · Season 25 · Episode 6

About this episode

The Mikes discuss the low-budget science fiction film 'The Vast of Night', highlighting its ambitious filmmaking and performances while debating its stylized dialogue.

This week on Forgotten Cinema, the Mikes tune into "The Vast of Night", the low-budget science fiction mystery that released on Amazon Prime during the pandemic. Both Butler and Field really enjoy the movie, especially its ambitious filmmaking and the performances from its two young leads. The film makes excellent use of long takes and creative camera work, creating a sense of momentum and atmosphere that far exceeds its modest budget. Both Mikes are surprised that the lead actors have not gone on to become bigger stars, given how much of the film's success rests on their shoulders. The discussion does reveal one notable disagreement. Butler is less enthusiastic about the film's highly stylized dialogue, finding it more suited to a stage play than a naturalistic film. Field, on the other hand, enjoys the rapid-fire writing and sees it as part of the movie's unique identity. The conversation also ventures into UFO and alien territory, as Butler compares the film's central mystery to real-world stories, theories, and folklore surrounding unexplained phenomena. The film's willingness to embrace mystery without overexplaining itself becomes one of its greatest strengths. With strong…

People in this episode

Hosts: Michael Butler, Michael Field

Topics covered

  • science fiction
  • film review
  • UFOs
  • mystery
  • independent film

Keywords

  • The Vast of Night
  • science fiction
  • film review
  • UFO
  • independent film
  • long takes
  • dialogue

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: The Vast of Night

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