THE MIDNIGHT SKY starring George Clooney | Official Trailer | Netflix

The Midnight Sky (2020) is a post-apocalyptic science fiction drama directed by and starring George Clooney. Based on the novel Good Morning, Midnight by Lily Brooks-Dalton, the film combines themes of isolation, survival, and redemption with an exploration of human resilience in the face of catastrophe.

Set in 2049, the story follows Augustine Lofthouse (played by Clooney), a terminally ill scientist stationed at a remote Arctic research base. Earth has been devastated by an unspecified global catastrophe, leaving the planet largely uninhabitable. Augustine remains behind, refusing evacuation, determined to complete one final mission. His objective is to warn a crew of astronauts aboard the spaceship Aether—who are returning from a successful mission to discover a habitable moon near Jupiter—of Earth’s devastation, so they can avoid returning to a doomed planet.

The film weaves between Augustine’s isolated existence on Earth and the astronauts aboard Aether, particularly focusing on Commander Adewole (David Oyelowo), Sully (Felicity Jones), and other crew members. As they journey back to Earth unaware of its fate, Augustine faces his own struggles for survival, battling extreme weather and health issues. He also encounters a mysterious young girl named Iris, who becomes his companion and gives him newfound purpose. Together, they embark on a perilous journey to a more powerful communication facility to contact the astronauts.

Visually, The Midnight Sky is stunning, with vast, desolate Arctic landscapes juxtaposed with the dark beauty of outer space. Clooney’s direction and cinematographer Martin Ruhe’s work create a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere that highlights the loneliness and desperation of both Augustine and the astronauts. The film uses silence and vast emptiness to emphasize the characters’ isolation and the sense of impending doom.

At its core, The Midnight Sky explores themes of connection, legacy, and hope. Augustine’s character arc is one of redemption; his past choices have left him isolated and remorseful, and this final mission offers him a chance to make a meaningful difference. His bond with the young girl Iris adds an emotional depth to his journey, giving him a glimpse of the human connection he’s missed in his life.

The film’s slower pace allows for reflective, character-driven moments, but this can make it feel more meditative than action-packed, which may not appeal to all viewers. Some critics noted that the narrative occasionally drags and the flashbacks to Augustine’s past feel somewhat disconnected from the main storyline. However, Clooney’s performance as Augustine brings gravity to the role, portraying a man weighed down by regret yet driven by an obligation to help others, even as his world ends.