Night Sky (2022) User Reviews

Gorgeous character driven sci-fi

[bosporan · 8/10 · 20 May 2022]

JK Simmons, Sissy Spacek and space, what is not to like? Well nothing actually, this is not a clichéd, frantic lasers and technology sci-fi show, but rather a character driven story centred on family, relationships plus growth and decline over time.

The core focus is on the York couple in the final chapter of their lives, beautifully, realistically and sweetly played by Simmons and Spacek and the impact secret access to the stars has on their lives; a fabulous character study. They are seeking rejuvenation and meaning, and find it in a completely unexpected and surprising guise.

Byron (Adam Bartley) is an irritating character, though grit in the oyster does not always produce a pearl. His plotline distracts greatly from the central story without adding anything.

This is the second novel approach to sci-fi that Amazon has produced recently (Outer Range) which is to be applauded, and this one concludes in a more satisfying way and leaves room for a welcome season two.

Slow burner but worth the watch

[fontane007 · 8/10 · 29 August 2022]

Just finished watching the final episode of series 1 to find that Amazon have dropped this little gem of a program. Really disappointed as the characters were great and with an original storyline this was one of the best TV series I've seen for some time.

There's so many ways this series could evolve, just feel it didn't get the exposure it deserved for people to see it. I only came across it accidentally and took a chance. So glad I did.

I hope Amazon change there mind at some point, there's not enough if these type of sci-fi programs out there.

If you're looking for something a little different and are happy to sit back and enjoy a good story then please give this series a chance.

Better than Most

[efd-10467 · 7/10 · 24 May 2022]

Anything with J K Simmons in it is worth a look, the show is not your normal action packed sci fi series, it goes deeply into characters and has long periods of dialogue.

It strays at times into boring and can be frustrating but overall is a good series, very well acted, the 'thinking' persons sci fi.

Tragedy

[cav6 · 10/10 · 24 August 2022]

Everyone had different taste. That being said, at 64 this series was one of the best I have seen! It is a shame that quality programs get cancelled while junk shows like the Bachelor and such roll on for years.

Prime made a mistake canceling this series

[mdt64 · 9/10 · 30 July 2022]

This is an exceptional sci-fi series and these days those are rare. Character-driven, mysterious, and suspenseful. Excellent acting. Good effects. The writing really conveys what it feels like to be in the characters' shoes.

It is like an elevator, but it doesn't move, we do.

[TxMike · 27 May 2022]

It is a bit distressing to see a few very negative reviews among some who haven't even watched a full episode. Foremost, it is highly unlikely that experienced actors like Sissy Spacek and JK Simmons would sign on to do a bad series. Unlike a 90-minute movie, where everything needs to be accelerated, in this series relationships and the story lines are developed slowly. Viewers wanting instant gratification probably should stay away.

Simmons and Spacek are an older couple married "forever", even though their son died some 20 years earlier they have that type of deep love for each other that can only be formed over time. The title "Night Sky" is a reference to, for lack of a better term, an "experience" under their shed out behind the house. There is a tunnel, or a cave, that we learn might have been there for hundreds of years. When they sneak into it at night it takes them to a room where they have a view of a fantastic night sky, seemingly of a planet far away. It is all mysterious, how did it get there, what is it really for, and many other questions. By their own admission they have visited the room over 800 times over the years.

Everything changes for them when one night she discovers a sick or wounded man, with fresh blood on his clothes, with no idea who he was or how he got there. That is the Sci-Fi part of this series, and they find out his name is Jude. Soon we sense that whatever the transport device is, there are others at different parts of the world. It is like an elevator, but it doesn't move, they do.

It was very easy for me to become absorbed into the story and its branches. Simmons and Spacek are so good they really seem like an old married couple. (My wife and I are in our 70s, it is easy to relate.) Being a streaming program I was able to watch as much as I wanted in one sitting, then next time it took up where I left off. While I didn't have a specific idea how the last episode should end, I was somewhat disappointed because so many things are left hanging. Who are those South American bad guys and what will happen to them? Where did Jude and the granddaughter go? And what will they do there?

It definitely is ripe for a second season. It is a very enjoyable series, however I still wish more had been tied up in the final episode.

January 2024 update: There is no indication that a second season was ever in the works, that is sad.

Nice show

[surfingnaked1 · 7/10 · 20 May 2022]

The acting is very good. Production value is also very good. It moves a bit slow but is still interesting. Worth the binge. Sissy spacek is a 10 actress.

Sad that we don't get more

[dpoland-76589 · 9/10 · 27 July 2022]

It seems the streaming giants are all competing for the big ticket shows like Stranger Things, Lord of the rings stuff and game of thrones stuff. I like those types of shoes too but I also appreciate something deeper, slower and meaningful.

Night Sky was well executed and well acted. An engaging story and engaging theme. It's a pity it didn't make the cut for a second season. Netflix did it with the OA and here we go again...

Just saw that it's been cancelled...

[Mccadoo · 6/10 · 6 July 2022]

I only got halfway through episode four of Night Sky. Spacek and Simmons do their usual masterful jobs filling out their characters and I found the premise intriguing, it just moved much too slowly for me. And I don't mean a lack of explosions or aliens or such, the plot just moved at such a glacial pace that I found myself losing interest.

I did have every intention of returning to it at some point because of the acting and the promising story. Now that it's been cancelled after one season I'm not sure I will, why get invested in a one and done series?

It's too bad because with all the CGI crap passing for sci-fi these days (La Brea??) this show was a very welcomed change...I just wish the pacing had been better.

Crying over cancellation

[nenms11 · 9/10 · 11 July 2022]

Amazon had a hit here but it needed better advertising. The cast was superior to many other shows. Also the story line needed more time to develop.

Oh! Well guess I need to buy the book from Barnes and Nobel not Amazon.

Impatient viewers

[amescortservice · 7/10 · 26 May 2022]

Impatient viewers it's pretty much what's wrong with the world today people are way way too impatient shows not great yes it's a little slow great acting I'll give it a 7 stop being impatient !! Watch the damn thing before you rate it.

Didn't rush through this one.

[paulcreeden · 10/10 · 25 May 2022]

Engaging story line, cast, setting and art direction. So enjoyable. I paced my way through it rather than binging it. It is entering another world on many levels. The interplay between Spacek and Simmons is wonderful. The slow build of suspense leads to a powerful climax. Hope Season 2 is being planned. I'm in.

Needs Less time smelling the roses and more moving the story forward

[martijimeddy · 6/10 · 29 May 2022]

I watched this series for the pleasure of seeing Sissy Spacek and J. K. Simmons work together; wonderful performances, and so great together. But even their performances couldn't overcome a script that drags and somehow seems too disjointed or convoluted. The central characters are both 'older' but it seems like the story shouldn't have to proceed at the speed of their daily lives. I understand the need for time to develop characters and situations; time for the story to breath a little, but perhaps the time spent developing ambiance and back story could have been abbreviated. Likewise the way the multiple story lines were being developed never really drew me in. By the time several characters die late in the series I just didn't care about them. As artfully executed as it is it just seems to be missing some spark engendering a real sense of action and impending intersection of the story lines. Nor did the music do much to promote a sense of movement, progress toward something climactic, or of compelling mystery. The story seems comprised of many sort-of interesting pieces that weren't sewn together well enough... so much so that by episode 7 of 8 it was all the investment I was willing to make in hoping the story would pick up steam.

Masterful acting, but way too slow to be watched

[grlym-46849 · 5/10 · 20 May 2022]

I premise is so interesting. The acting is grade A

But the pace of the show is real life time based. If you hung out with your grandparents all weekend long, that's the pace. You love them dearly...but everything takes a long time

But man the acting is so good. I'm frustrated that the show couldn't have been 2 or 3 perfect episodes that were compelling. I'm frustrated as an audience member. I feel let down in something that could have been great.

Fascinating

[lornak-18008 · 10/10 · 21 May 2022]

I just sat and watched it all night in one sitting. So yes, I was fascinated. Did it occasionally get a little slow? Maybe a little, but even then the story was interesting. The acting was amazing-how could it not be with Sissy Spacek and J. K. Simmons leading the cast? All of the side characters were pretty great as well. There was plenty of action without it being an "action" movie. People do get hurt and some die. Mainly though it was the characters that were important, their actions and interactions with others that drove the story. Yes, it was science fiction, and to me really good science fiction, but I also enjoyed the elderly couple and their back story concerning their son, their granddaughter and their love for each other. And although we don't get all the answers, we do get quite a bit. The fun part? They left it wide open for another season! By the way, I didn't tell anything about the actual story on purpose. I loved going in with very little idea what to expect and I'm glad I did.

What on earth (no pun) were Amazon doing cancelling this one?

[Firinn450 · 9/10 · 29 March 2023]

Firstly, not all your viewers are silly impatient teenagers. There are a huge amount of us looking for a slower burn and more relatable characters, and this had that. Quality acting from Spacek and Simmonds. Yes, there were times when I fast-forwarded, I do understand the wish for this to speed up sometimes (even at my age) and perhaps given time, they'd have gotten the feedback to understand how to tweak it but it would have been worthwhile. Just a touch of humour is a must despite a serious message - it's worked for so many lasting series. Amazon can afford some more patience, and definitely needs, like so many others to listen to what viewers are saying, not just look at meaningless startup figures. Many of us are frustrated with the great series we've loved then got cancelled. This was a great premise and plot. What a shame.

For drama lovers, who might like a bit of scifi.

[heratyplant · 20 May 2022]

Can't rate it yet as I haven't seen it all, but I do like it, even though it is purposefully slow.

I mostly dislike those shows & films that are dramas with a thin veneer of scifi to trick the fans of that genre, but this doesn't feel like that, even though it is a drama with a tiny pinch of mystery.

The 2 leads, they're performances & the wonderful life they seem to have is really rather lovely & endearing. As to the setup, I've never seen this premise before & it is without doubt intriguing, it just depends where the writers decide to take them, and us, on their cosmic journey.

Special nods for the lovely soundtrack & thoughtful cinematography.

I'm in for the ride, fingers crossed.

Without a 2nd season Don't Even Bother!

[mugwamp-983 · 7/10 · 23 December 2023]

Look, this is/was a fantastic science fiction series. It had everything. It was original, and different. Without a second season there is no point in even watching the first season.

The discovery of the anomaly, and the character development is a very slow process. By the time the season ends many plots and subplots are revealed. Including new characters. But they are left completely wide open and you really get nothing out of the first season.

I am amazed how garbage zombie series just keep spawning new spin offs. Or garbage alien invasion rehash series keep popping up. But with Night Sky we finally got a completely original, sophisticated science fiction series and it gets canned first season without closure.

An excellent narrative driven science fiction series!

[kalibeans · 9/10 · 21 May 2022]

Night Sky has the feel of a Ray Bradbury/Rod Serling/Robert Heinlein tale. Which is high praise indeed!! From the reviews I've read it seems that the most frequent complaint.is that the storyline moves too slowly. That is what makes it so refreshing and unique.

Nighy Sky is a rare jewel amongst the muck and mire of what's generally out there today - especially in science fiction.

No sex, very. Very little bad language, a couple of fight scenes (not graphic)

I enjoyed it, but many won't

[damorejj · 7/10 · 6 June 2022]

First of all, I must say that the chemistry between Simmons and Spacek is incredible, as is their acting. I see many people on here complaining of the pace, or the characters, or the plot holes. As for the characters, each one has been given some attention. I care for the Yorks, and I find it compelling trying to decide whether to trust Jude or not, as well as Stella. Sometimes lack of background and a little mystery can be a good thing. So I have no issues with the characters or the acting.

The pace is admittedly slow, but I enjoy slow burns. Many others have no patience and want instant gratification. They're not entirely wrong, it does move a bit slow, but I guess I found the story interesting so unlike others, I stuck with it. I was a bit disappointed however with the season finale that left so many unanswered questions. But does leave a great cliffhanger.

And then there are the plot holes....this is where I will drop some spoilers. I've suffered through depression. It's a horrible thing. But I don't understand why a young man with a beautiful wife and child, as well as wonderful supportive parents would take his own life because he's struggling to land a job. I've been there, it sucks. But you need to look at the big picture. I guess this isn't a plot hole because unfortunately some people have committed suicide over lesser things. I personally just find it hard to believe there are people who aren't stronger willed.

Back to the story, for one, I can't honestly believe that this couple would travel to that planet over 850 times and not once attempt to do more than look out the window. Franklin mentioned mice he left out but it's never explained what happened to them. If the air is breathable, why'd the mice die?

Another hole in the story...Irene feels a deep connection to Jude, and gets him to open up to her. But not once does she ever ask him how he got in that room on the planet. It would've been the first question I asked once he seemed to recall stuff.

Another plot hole...how people can have a massive car accident on the side of the highway and have others putting bags on people's heads next to said accident and nobody seems to notice? We're living in a time where traffic builds up on the other side of a highway just from rubberneckers trying to glance at an accident. This part in the final episode of the season was the most unrealistic part of the show.

I could go on, there's no need. I give it 7 stars for story and acting....plot holes and pace drop it a few. I'll keep watching next season.

Come On Ya'll It's Way Too Early To Tell

[Sunsphxsuns · 9/10 · 21 May 2022]

Night Sky isn't an easy genre, and after viewing the first episode, my guess is that it will likely infuriate some viewers, bore a few others, confuse many, but also delight people like me that thrive on "Interstellar themes." After only one episode I decided to roll the dice and gamble where this series is headed. I think the direction might be somewhere between "Cocoon" (1985) and "Contact" (1997). And while those aforementioned films were beautifully done, they didn't have two veteran Oscar winning actors: Sissy Spacek and J. K. Simmons. And this alone may be what affords this new series a significant opportunity to succeed.

From what I can surmise, Night Sky is about an elderly couple with a secret so outrageous and incredible that it would blow away even the world's brightest astronomers and scientists. The couple are both very ill with their own respective maladies. Yet, they nevertheless appear to be quite happy with their incredibly mysterious "toy." In essence, they've somehow acquired a galactic passageway which takes them light years away to a different planet. Indeed, this destination could even be a different solar system or galaxy. Too early to tell.

The bottom line here, of course, is what does this all mean, and in one episode, Night Sky reveals very little towards the intricate plot. But like many other commendable series to appear in the past few years, this slow-burn pace will be quite watchable because of its premise as well as its two superb lead actors.

My recommendation- Let's all get a few episodes digested before we inadvertently "belch" out our reviews. Like fine wine or Beluga caviar, it may take a little while until we fully embrace this very creative type of entertainment. But if it succeeds, it could end up being a very interesting adventure.

No spoilers here as usual, but I will reveal that when an interviewer asked the Oscar winning actress, Sissy Spacek, why she chose to tackle this challenging role, she replied: "You know, I do things like this sometimes. I am the girl who made Carrie. There's that side of me that goes, "Don't look before you leap." I loved the writers and creators of the show. They were very collaborative. But what really drew me to it was the relationship between Irene and Franklin, and the fact that I wasn't an alien. I worried that I wasn't going to understand and wondered what in my life was going to help me play this role. But Irene's just an ordinary human being experiencing extraordinary things."

Scifi is backseat to drama

[ztigr · 6/10 · 22 May 2022]

I don't even think.you could get that far into fan theories because they really tell you very little about whats actually happened. The family drama takes up so much of the screen time you only get bits and pieces of the larger story. By the end of episode 8 you only know a littke bit more than you did in episode 1. Interesting but patience was growing weary by the end.

Intriguing slow burner Sci-fi

[robnolymurphy · 7/10 · 20 May 2022]

This is the curious story of a couple, in their twilight years, dealing with a mysterious underground portal in their back yard, and the otherworldly adventure it takes them on.

This is an intriguing yarn, focussed on an elderly couple, the York's, who live in the quaint and quiet town of Farnsbrough, the slow pace of life of the town, and that of the York's, matches the pace of the story, it's very leisurely, but nonetheless captivating.

The acting is stellar, production values are of a high standard, and the storyline should keep one captivated until the end.

So what happened?

[mtmafss · 5/10 · 5 June 2022]

Typical mystery fantasy sci-fi series or movie. Audience get to know nothing, it just keeps going and we're there to be ridiculed. There is no story. It doesn't convince me to start another season.

Acting is alright, pacing can be better, visuals are... not bad. It's just not satisfying.

Another 10/10 show Amazon Mindlessly Axes!

[roxmewild · 10/10 · 9 April 2023]

I am seriously getting angry and frustrated at Amazon! How can they fund a Tv show that is unique has a superb cast and an extremely entertaining story scoring highly on ratings to just decide after one season that they are not going to bother to continue! This is Mindless and shows a total lack of disregard for its Consumers!

They Cannot justify this in Any way in my eyes and to suggest that it is down to the Cost of the production is the Lamest reason in my eyes! I will say this yet again if Amazon Shelved the Many cheap awful shows that they insist on renewing due to cost and put that money into Good worthwhile shows such as Night Sky and Perephinal another superb show then they would become a Great Production company and have many followers!

However they don't seem to have the intellectual insight into doing this and so keep producing many below average productions to the detriment of excellent shows! As an Amazon consumer I am fed up of this the number of show choices to watch below a 4 star rating is endless and if you find a gem you just have to pray there will be another season as they axe the good ones Treadstone another that fell! I am 😞 to see another very promising show fall at Amazons Axe again!