It's refreshing to find a mid range budgeted thriller. The film is unafraid to attempt high concept storytelling and for the better part of the running time it works. There are some strong flaws, but if you can go with the film, you'll enjoy the twists and turns. Nice to see Netflix relying on these high concept to lure audiences, who are trapped by mega studios pumping superheroes at us. Not great, but I thought it was interesting.
438 Reviews
Engaging & Imaginative Police Thriller with a Twist too Slow & too Expected
TwistedContent27 September 2019
The talanted horror/thriller director Jim Mickle (Cold in July; Stake Land) teams up with the rising star Boyd Holbrook & brings to Netflix his newest piece - the exciting and entertaining mystery detective/killer flick "In the Shadow of the Moon".
"In the Shadow of the Moon" starts like any other police thriller, introducing us to a duo of likeable cops, a damp city full of crime & a mystery in the making. Through equal amounts of engaging drama, energetic action and time skipping we steadily move forward to the solution of the mystery, accompanied by the obsessive detective Lockhart who's got some heavy burdens on his shoulders. Boyd Holbrook, whom I first saw on "Narcos" (as I'm sure many people did as well) gives a great lead performance as detective Lockhart & the supporting cast helps him out well, especially Bokeem Woodbine & Cleopatra Coleman. The revelation of the sci-fi twist & the point of the mystery comes a tad bit too slowly & doesn't quite have the impact one would wish for, but, nevertheless, while "In the Shadow of the Moon" left me wanting more, at the same time the ending felt right. The themes of horrors and wonders of humanity & family values are served well. We cannot forget that the movie also looks gorgeous, has a decent original score, well made action sequences & even features a few bloody scenes for the horror fans. In summary, "In the Shadow of the Moon" kinda looks like, feels like and plays out like a big-screen movie.
I think this movie could've been a little less convoluted, with a different, less straight forward mystery building structure, but the result is still engaging, handsome and thoughtful thriller piece. My rating: 7/10.
"In the Shadow of the Moon" starts like any other police thriller, introducing us to a duo of likeable cops, a damp city full of crime & a mystery in the making. Through equal amounts of engaging drama, energetic action and time skipping we steadily move forward to the solution of the mystery, accompanied by the obsessive detective Lockhart who's got some heavy burdens on his shoulders. Boyd Holbrook, whom I first saw on "Narcos" (as I'm sure many people did as well) gives a great lead performance as detective Lockhart & the supporting cast helps him out well, especially Bokeem Woodbine & Cleopatra Coleman. The revelation of the sci-fi twist & the point of the mystery comes a tad bit too slowly & doesn't quite have the impact one would wish for, but, nevertheless, while "In the Shadow of the Moon" left me wanting more, at the same time the ending felt right. The themes of horrors and wonders of humanity & family values are served well. We cannot forget that the movie also looks gorgeous, has a decent original score, well made action sequences & even features a few bloody scenes for the horror fans. In summary, "In the Shadow of the Moon" kinda looks like, feels like and plays out like a big-screen movie.
I think this movie could've been a little less convoluted, with a different, less straight forward mystery building structure, but the result is still engaging, handsome and thoughtful thriller piece. My rating: 7/10.
Good film
brummieman28 September 2019
So people are rating this low because it is alleged that it has a political message of 'wipe out an opposite view'? have they been hiding under a rock since cinema began? Most films before I was even born have been about one enemy wiping out another, morality has not been the premise of most films through cinematic history . This is simply an action film not based on real life, its obviously not a true story , the heart of it is simply the idea that if you were to, for instance, wipe out Hitler or his parents you potentially save millions of people from all different backgrounds. so do you wipe out the few or let the millions die? I suppose these films serve a good purpose in opening up the debate so I'll give it a 7 . Watch the film, enjoy it, its a good story , somewhat predictable at times but a good twist in the end.
Worth a 10 just for annoying people
BlockLike29 September 2019
Ok, film first.
Pretty decent script, good acting, pacing is a little off at times, but overall a not bad sci-fi.
Ok, now for the good bit.
The film deserves a 10 purely for the fact it has seriously annoyed so called 'patriots' and gun supporters that seem to be happy in ignoring the fact that what this film is about a mass terrorism event.
Yes, terrorist don't have to be a different skin colour or from a different country.
Pretty decent script, good acting, pacing is a little off at times, but overall a not bad sci-fi.
Ok, now for the good bit.
The film deserves a 10 purely for the fact it has seriously annoyed so called 'patriots' and gun supporters that seem to be happy in ignoring the fact that what this film is about a mass terrorism event.
Yes, terrorist don't have to be a different skin colour or from a different country.
In the shadow of the mehn
xdeschuyter-014106 October 2019
Even though the plot was pretty much clear from the start, the first part of the movie was enjoyable. A certain tension, a certain nostalgia. But then it all starts going downhill until it end in the sewers. The vague ethical elements never rise above kindergarten level, the science is preposterous and the "USA is the world" assumption is tedious. The acting is decent, so is the music and lighting. Too bad, as with nearly every movie these days, the plot didn't get as much attention.
weird one
trashgang17 June 2020
Picked this one out of the blue on Netflix. Not knowing what it was going to be, no research whatsoever to see whats it all about.
Glad that I have seen it, this was a hell of a ride. Starting as like a serial killer is out there this one turns into something like The Terminator. Excellent performances espescially from Boyd Holbrook. Great story that you can't see coming.
Nice to see Michael C. Hall again, been a while.
If you like your flicks weird then this is one to see. Not one boring moment.
Gore 1/5 Nudity 0/5 Effects 3/5 Story 4/5 Comedy 0/5
Glad that I have seen it, this was a hell of a ride. Starting as like a serial killer is out there this one turns into something like The Terminator. Excellent performances espescially from Boyd Holbrook. Great story that you can't see coming.
Nice to see Michael C. Hall again, been a while.
If you like your flicks weird then this is one to see. Not one boring moment.
Gore 1/5 Nudity 0/5 Effects 3/5 Story 4/5 Comedy 0/5
Not what you'll be expecting at all
verminhater27 September 2019
Netflix have done it again with yet another well made and interesting movie. The trailer makes it seem like some kind of vampire film but that's a long way off the mark. The film is about a killer popping up at regular intervals with a very specific purpose and a cop spending half his life chasing them. It's no action film though, it's far better pigeon-holed as a thriller with the typical twist at the end. Once again Netflix procure a decent performance from the cast and crew producing a film that engrossed me. It's not fast paced and that will loose some viewers and it delivers a political message that will alienate those villanised (people who can't distinguish between free speech and hate) from enjoying it.
It's notable that once more Netflix go for a thought provoking film rather than the more usual Hollywood action template and I applaud them for it. It's a fair way from what I expected and all the better for it.
A bit underrated.
netmedia-19 May 2020
Yes, the plot is a little bit already-100-times-done, but still it's a good soft-sci-fi thriller and does not leave you unsatisfied. Most of the actors are definitely a highlight, Holbrook nails it, like really nails it.
Starts off well, then steadily goes down hill
facebook-1751412 October 2019
This movie starts off with potential and has excellent production values. The cast do their jobs competently and the direction is excellent. The problem is with the story. It begins as a thriller and then leaves us with a vomit worthy message that if you don't like certain ideas, then the best way to oppose those ideas is to kill everyone who holds them. Pathetic stuff. We now live in the age of stupid.
I enjoyed this.
johnjkelly-3611929 September 2019
It's mid budget and reasonable acting etc. There are a lot of negative comments and some people are offended way too easily, perhaps some are looking into it way too much for faults and racism, it's fiction. There are a hell of a lot more offensive movies out there, I am 58 and white and I did not even think of any of the things that some of the overly sensitive reviewers on here so just enjoy it as the fictional movie that it is and not a propaganda movie with messages of hate.
Crime thriller with a twist.
cruise0128 September 2019
In the Shadow of the Moon (3.5 out of 5 stars).
In the Shadow of the Moon is a pretty decent crime thriller film with a bit hint of sci fi concept and some decent action thrills. The plot starts out like a simple crime thriller. Police officer Locke (Boyd Holbrook) and his partner are investigating three murders at the same time and done by the same criminal Rya (Cleopatra Coleman). She escapes and confronts Locke at the train station that they ll meet again. Several years later, a few more murders happen the same away which drives Locke to trying to catch her. And years later on the same day, she is back and he is trying to figure out her motives.
The concept is a like low budget Terminator movie with a human time travelling and being an assassin to take out targets. The one question is why? The answer may not be as surprising or mind bending for a sci fi story. It does throw one character Locke into an obsession for years until he has wasted his life away when he missed out on his daughters childhood and being there for her.
Boyd Holbrook performance is decent. Cleopatra Coleman was also okay playing a mysterious assassin. The film does have a twist in the end which ties the characters story arc.
The film does have some entertaining thrilling action. Overall, In the Shadow of the Moon is a pretty fair film with some decent action and performance.
In the Shadow of the Moon is a pretty decent crime thriller film with a bit hint of sci fi concept and some decent action thrills. The plot starts out like a simple crime thriller. Police officer Locke (Boyd Holbrook) and his partner are investigating three murders at the same time and done by the same criminal Rya (Cleopatra Coleman). She escapes and confronts Locke at the train station that they ll meet again. Several years later, a few more murders happen the same away which drives Locke to trying to catch her. And years later on the same day, she is back and he is trying to figure out her motives.
The concept is a like low budget Terminator movie with a human time travelling and being an assassin to take out targets. The one question is why? The answer may not be as surprising or mind bending for a sci fi story. It does throw one character Locke into an obsession for years until he has wasted his life away when he missed out on his daughters childhood and being there for her.
Boyd Holbrook performance is decent. Cleopatra Coleman was also okay playing a mysterious assassin. The film does have a twist in the end which ties the characters story arc.
The film does have some entertaining thrilling action. Overall, In the Shadow of the Moon is a pretty fair film with some decent action and performance.
Ignore the triggered snowflakes...
pckq29 September 2019
In the Shadow of the Moon is a decent flick. It was actually one of the better movies i watched this year. The story barrows a little from The Terminator here and there.
But it's orighinal enough to stand on its own.
7/10 from me for this enjoyable action/sci fi drama. Do yourself a favor, ignore the triggered snowflakes.
7/10 from me for this enjoyable action/sci fi drama. Do yourself a favor, ignore the triggered snowflakes.
Good Mystery SF/Serial Killer Film
Pairic1 October 2019
In the Shadow of the Moon: Detective Tom Lockhart (Boyd Holbrook) becomes obsessed with tracking down a serial killer who strikes every nine years on the night of the Blood Moon. The killer, Rya (Cleopatra Coleman) reappears even after Tom has apparently killed her. She uses a strange weapon causing her victims to develop Ebola-like symptoms. The mystery is compounded by the lack of any link between those she kills, a concert pianist, a short order cook, a bus driver. Mixed in with this is a strange physicist, Dr Rao (Rudi Dharmalingam) who may have some answers but has disappeared. Over the years Tom continues to seek a solution to the enigma.
Good SF/Thriller with convincing action scenes and a satisfactory explanation for the events is supplied. A dark film though, some gruesome killings and ethical questions are raised. Elements of 12 Monkeys, Looper and Predestination inform the film but it tells it's own story. Directed by Jim Mickle. 7/10. On Netflix.
Good SF/Thriller with convincing action scenes and a satisfactory explanation for the events is supplied. A dark film though, some gruesome killings and ethical questions are raised. Elements of 12 Monkeys, Looper and Predestination inform the film but it tells it's own story. Directed by Jim Mickle. 7/10. On Netflix.
Good beginning then downhill
ron-027773 November 2019
Some shadow it is
kosmasp23 November 2020
Overall the movie or the concept it presents is quite interesting. But it is also quite flawed. There are many things that do not work in its favor, especially towards the ending and when it comes to logic. I also thought this was quite predictable - at least for me, maybe you have a different viewpoint on that.
Having said that and as you can see by my rating, I still found it entertaining enough. Technically sound (really well shot, good sound and all that jazz, minus actually jazz), it is let down by plot holes or the general problem movies with different time lines have ... does it make sense? I think not ... but if you blend that out, you can at least have some fun with it
Having said that and as you can see by my rating, I still found it entertaining enough. Technically sound (really well shot, good sound and all that jazz, minus actually jazz), it is let down by plot holes or the general problem movies with different time lines have ... does it make sense? I think not ... but if you blend that out, you can at least have some fun with it
Stylized and tantalizing mix of police procedural crime thriller & sci-fi
fewald13927 September 2019
Edit: I realized only after submitting this review and getting tons of unhelpful votes that this movie has been heavily politicized and there are floods of people down-voting any positive review not for its content, but for its rating. For what it's worth, I cover the ambiguity of the movie's moral lessons in my review (that many clearly didn't read before down-voting). I happened to like that "is this really for the best?" ambiguity that ending entailed. Not once did I find this movie to be beating the viewer over the head with a political message; if anything, I found it opened one's eyes to the possibility that "for the greater good" is a flawed concept. I hate that this movie has been so politicized; as a centrist myself, I found no political slant to the movie and was surprised to hear of people wanting to boycott it. In this awful "cancel culture" waged by both sides of the political divide, I welcome movies like this that make viewers THINK. After all, if people are calling for a piece of art to be boycotted, you can be sure it has ruffled enough feathers to be a worthwhile discussion piece. So if you're a potential viewer hoping to avoid political bias, I say go into this with an open mind. I didn't find it as cut and dry as others, but then again, I'm not easily offended in the slightest.
"You're crazy," Locke says at one point when speaking to a man on one side of this moral debacle.
"I think we're both beyond the pale," the enemy replies.
THIS quote is apt, neatly laying out what I believe the true intent was for this movie. The murders committed are awful. The crimes they prevented were awful. Both sides are beyond the pale, mirroring the political divide happening around this movie's message that neither extreme can be a hero. How ironic; the controversy surrounding In the Shadow of the Moon matches its outlook. Now, on to the original review.
In the Shadow of the Moon somehow takes multiple genres and mashes them together to come up with a highly unique viewing experience that actually works. Locke is a cop on the job in 1988 when he investigates a series of mysterious murders that all happen at the same time and have multiple ties that baffle detectives and forensic investigators alike. So begins a chase over the decades involving a cop who slowly mentally degrades and a suspect who can't seem to be caught or killed. Another review stated the twist is too expected, yet they also said the movie could've been less convoluted, which sounded conflicted to me. The fact that the storyline was so complex and yet so easily understood worked well in this movie's favor, in my opinion. Because we follow the viewpoint of an investigator throughout the movie, we can slowly unravel the pieces to the puzzle alongside him so that the movie feels complete and satisfying without relying on plot holes or the convenience of confusing its audience by pulling the "because it's sci-fi!" card.
Who is Boyd Holbrook, and why the heck isn't he in more stuff? This was the first time I've seen him in anything. He did a fantastic job playing Locke. His character evolves so greatly throughout the movie, and he played each step believably and was a delight to watch. Cleopatra Coleman served her role as Rya well, but I wasn't as impressed with her usually stone-faced performance. She was believable, but she didn't stand out. Bokeem Woodbine was fantastic as Locke's partner Maddox. The sound design in this movie is outstanding, mixing distortion and music to ideally fit the mysterious but enthralling action pieces (particularly the first set of murders in '88 that are shown within the first ten minutes). The cinematography was fantastic to the point of being noticeable. This movie sucks you into its world and immerses you, its long takes allowing you time to focus on its plotline one decade at a time. In the Shadow of the Moon somehow is able to pull off multiple decades believably without relying on bashing the audience over the head with distracting nostalgia. Finally, while the movie starts out viewing these crimes as murders and ends up explaining the snowball effect leading up to them, it opens the door for philosophical questions regarding morality and time travel. I love, love, love thought-provoking movies like this.
If I have any complaints about In the Shadow of the Moon, it's that once the police thriller dissipates (as Locke becomes more deranged and isolated) and holds hands with the final sci-fi act, it slows down a little in pace. I was still glued to the screen as all story arcs began to merge and close, don't get me wrong, but the gritty city feel from the first half was so well-done I craved more and more. But looking over the movie with a critical lens, I can't see that they could've pulled it off any other way. This slowdown was necessary to the plot, and the development of both the story and the characters (particularly Locke) were handled with delicacy.
Overall, this is one Netflix movie you need to put on your queue and give a shot. Netflix has a lot of misses you have to dig through to find stuff like this. You might not love In the Shadow of the Moon as much as I did because tastes are subjective, but it is undoubtedly a well-directed and put together movie with a unique merge of genres that you owe it to yourself to try. Fantastic work, Jim Mickle. Boyd Holbrook, I'll be keeping my eye out for you in other movies. You caught my attention here.
"You're crazy," Locke says at one point when speaking to a man on one side of this moral debacle.
"I think we're both beyond the pale," the enemy replies.
THIS quote is apt, neatly laying out what I believe the true intent was for this movie. The murders committed are awful. The crimes they prevented were awful. Both sides are beyond the pale, mirroring the political divide happening around this movie's message that neither extreme can be a hero. How ironic; the controversy surrounding In the Shadow of the Moon matches its outlook. Now, on to the original review.
In the Shadow of the Moon somehow takes multiple genres and mashes them together to come up with a highly unique viewing experience that actually works. Locke is a cop on the job in 1988 when he investigates a series of mysterious murders that all happen at the same time and have multiple ties that baffle detectives and forensic investigators alike. So begins a chase over the decades involving a cop who slowly mentally degrades and a suspect who can't seem to be caught or killed. Another review stated the twist is too expected, yet they also said the movie could've been less convoluted, which sounded conflicted to me. The fact that the storyline was so complex and yet so easily understood worked well in this movie's favor, in my opinion. Because we follow the viewpoint of an investigator throughout the movie, we can slowly unravel the pieces to the puzzle alongside him so that the movie feels complete and satisfying without relying on plot holes or the convenience of confusing its audience by pulling the "because it's sci-fi!" card.
Who is Boyd Holbrook, and why the heck isn't he in more stuff? This was the first time I've seen him in anything. He did a fantastic job playing Locke. His character evolves so greatly throughout the movie, and he played each step believably and was a delight to watch. Cleopatra Coleman served her role as Rya well, but I wasn't as impressed with her usually stone-faced performance. She was believable, but she didn't stand out. Bokeem Woodbine was fantastic as Locke's partner Maddox. The sound design in this movie is outstanding, mixing distortion and music to ideally fit the mysterious but enthralling action pieces (particularly the first set of murders in '88 that are shown within the first ten minutes). The cinematography was fantastic to the point of being noticeable. This movie sucks you into its world and immerses you, its long takes allowing you time to focus on its plotline one decade at a time. In the Shadow of the Moon somehow is able to pull off multiple decades believably without relying on bashing the audience over the head with distracting nostalgia. Finally, while the movie starts out viewing these crimes as murders and ends up explaining the snowball effect leading up to them, it opens the door for philosophical questions regarding morality and time travel. I love, love, love thought-provoking movies like this.
If I have any complaints about In the Shadow of the Moon, it's that once the police thriller dissipates (as Locke becomes more deranged and isolated) and holds hands with the final sci-fi act, it slows down a little in pace. I was still glued to the screen as all story arcs began to merge and close, don't get me wrong, but the gritty city feel from the first half was so well-done I craved more and more. But looking over the movie with a critical lens, I can't see that they could've pulled it off any other way. This slowdown was necessary to the plot, and the development of both the story and the characters (particularly Locke) were handled with delicacy.
Overall, this is one Netflix movie you need to put on your queue and give a shot. Netflix has a lot of misses you have to dig through to find stuff like this. You might not love In the Shadow of the Moon as much as I did because tastes are subjective, but it is undoubtedly a well-directed and put together movie with a unique merge of genres that you owe it to yourself to try. Fantastic work, Jim Mickle. Boyd Holbrook, I'll be keeping my eye out for you in other movies. You caught my attention here.
Moon
shaun_lime28 September 2019
Netflix you've brought us another film that wasn't quite a full moon but not by much but turned out a good entertaining eclipse with a great butch of stars and love the idea behind it all.
I do love films that keep you guessing, a mystery behind the plot but I felt it didn't give enough answers and the script had a few plot holes and was all over the place by the end of the film but other than that it was decent and worth a trip to the moon and back.
I do love films that keep you guessing, a mystery behind the plot but I felt it didn't give enough answers and the script had a few plot holes and was all over the place by the end of the film but other than that it was decent and worth a trip to the moon and back.
Actual average rating is 3 stars. The 8-10 star reviews are shilled, virtually all single use accounts
random-707788 October 2019
Wow, this film lacks logic, basic plot elements, knowledge of its own subject (theoretical parallel universe) , acting talent.
Also a lot of the 8-10 star reviews have identical phrasing and show they were only created to review this film. That is clear shilling and the legit accounts average out to under 3 stars for this dog.
Also a lot of the 8-10 star reviews have identical phrasing and show they were only created to review this film. That is clear shilling and the legit accounts average out to under 3 stars for this dog.
Not a masterpiece, but not awful!!!
Valken-Industries29 September 2019
I'll be honest sitting down to watch a Netflix show is always a gamble... It's either pretty decent or absolutely awful. Luckily this movie does not fall on the latter. Now granted time travel movies are always a little hard to wrap your head around, but this one was decently entertaining and fun to watch. Yes it can be predictable and the time travel might have some plot holes but it's much better than some of the other shows Netflix will put on display!!! I would say if your board give it a watch but it definitely isn't anything that will be life changing.
Uneventful scifi
tykjpeis20 October 2019
Movie follows a well known story.
The main problem is that this story has no climax. Whatever suspense it builds up the ending craps on.
You keep hoping for some satisfying conclusion and get some uninteresting mumbo jumbo.
See the movie if there is nothing else - it entertains until the ending, but you are left with nothing.
You keep hoping for some satisfying conclusion and get some uninteresting mumbo jumbo.
See the movie if there is nothing else - it entertains until the ending, but you are left with nothing.
Did all these people watch the same film that I did..?
MoistMovies4 October 2019
I guess this is the world we live in. Both enraged people from the 'left' and 'right' here.. Rarely does a film angst up both crowds.
My own political views are what i see as sane.. I hold views of politics and society that fit all over the spectrum of opinion and morals regarding left and right. If you buy into liberal v. conservative. You got to slap yourself in the face and get out of that bubble of delusional partisan thinking.. It's not logical and from what I gather by the reviews on this film. Is making a bunch of people completely cynical and dim witted to any idea, concept, entertainment or anything they dont agree with is worth slandering and trying to ruin into the dirt.
Watch this film for yourself. Make up your own mind. I found the political side of this film to be nothing but cog in the machine of the more interesting story. Which is about our central character in the film and his journey into the upside reality he finds himself in, his struggle and journey in figuring out what is going on is what made me entertained through the film. The direction and cinematography is very standard. Nothing special. But not bad. Some of the dialogue was pretty bad in some scenes but it doesnt ruin the film.
I guess the concept of American militia terrorism offends people and cant be used in movies anymore, because I guess a lot of conservatives now feel the need to stick up for even the most insane people on their side. And the left feel the need to try and 'cancel' anything they think might even make you think about the definition of the term conservative. It's all nonsense. Prof Farnsworth was onto something.... "I don't want to live on this planet anymore"
Watch this film for yourself. Make up your own mind. I found the political side of this film to be nothing but cog in the machine of the more interesting story. Which is about our central character in the film and his journey into the upside reality he finds himself in, his struggle and journey in figuring out what is going on is what made me entertained through the film. The direction and cinematography is very standard. Nothing special. But not bad. Some of the dialogue was pretty bad in some scenes but it doesnt ruin the film.
I guess the concept of American militia terrorism offends people and cant be used in movies anymore, because I guess a lot of conservatives now feel the need to stick up for even the most insane people on their side. And the left feel the need to try and 'cancel' anything they think might even make you think about the definition of the term conservative. It's all nonsense. Prof Farnsworth was onto something.... "I don't want to live on this planet anymore"
Quite OK Movie
pietclausen2 October 2019
By following the movie properly and understanding the science, there is nothing wrong with this story and actually quite likable. The time-line is fine and the end is revealing the truth.
Another nice flick from Netflix!
Another nice flick from Netflix!
for me Not bad 7/10 for me
THE-BEACON-OF-MOVIES-RAFA4 October 2019
Virtue Signalling in a Time Machine
stephendelaunay21 October 2019
This convuluted mess of a movie is as morally twisted as the plot is. It will please those who consider it ethical to plant an ax in the head of the babysitter of the grandmother of a really bad person. If that's you... enjoy!
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