In the Shadow of the Moon Thirller Mystery Movie 2019

  • 6 months ago
## In the Shadow of the Moon: A Genre-Bending Thriller with Ambitions Beyond its Reach

[Image of movie poster for In the Shadow of the Moon film]

Released in 2019, "In the Shadow of the Moon" is a Netflix film that defies easy categorization. It starts as a gritty noir detective story, transitions into a heart-pounding action thriller, and ultimately dives headfirst into the realm of science fiction. This genre-bending approach is ambitious, but the film doesn't always succeed in juggling its various elements.

**Plot and Pacing:**

The film follows Philadelphia police officer Thomas Lockhart (Boyd Holbrook) as he investigates a series of seemingly impossible murders. The murders occur every nine years, and the killer always strikes on the same night: a full moon. Lockhart becomes obsessed with finding the culprit, sacrificing his personal life and sanity in the process.

The film's pacing is uneven, with long stretches of slow-burn investigation punctuated by bursts of action. This can be frustrating at times, as the audience is often left waiting for the story to move forward. However, the film's mystery is compelling enough to keep viewers engaged, and the payoff in the final act is satisfying.

**Performances:**

Boyd Holbrook delivers a strong performance as Lockhart, capturing his character's descent into obsession with both intensity and vulnerability. The supporting cast is also solid, with Clea DuVall and Michael C. Hall delivering memorable performances.

**Visuals and Sound:**

The film's visuals are generally good, with a gritty and realistic aesthetic that suits the story. The cinematography is particularly effective, with some truly stunning shots of Philadelphia's cityscape. The film's score is also well-done, adding to the suspenseful atmosphere.

**Genre-Bending:**

"In the Shadow of the Moon" is at its best when it embraces its genre-bending nature. The film's sci-fi elements are well-integrated into the overall narrative, and the film does a good job of exploring the philosophical implications of time travel. However, some viewers may find the sudden shift from noir to sci-fi to be jarring.

**Overall:**

"In the Shadow of the Moon" is a flawed but intriguing film. It's a film that will likely appeal to fans of genre-bending thrillers, but it may not sit well with viewers who prefer their films to be more straightforward.

**Here are some of the film's strengths and weaknesses:**

**Strengths:**

* Strong performances
* Compelling mystery
* Stunning visuals
* Well-done score
* Ambitious genre-bending

**Weaknesses:**

* Uneven pacing
* Some viewers may find the genre-bending jarring
* The film could have benefited from more style and personality

**Overall, "In the Shadow of the Moon" is a decent film that is worth watching for fans of genre-bending thrillers. However, it is not without its flaws, and some viewers may find it to be less than satisfying.**