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Sci-fi thriller

In the Shadow of the Moon (2019): Cast, Ratings & Ending

In the Shadow of the Moon (2019) movie poster

In the Shadow of the Moon is a 2019 sci-fi thriller directed by Jim Mickle, starring Boyd Holbrook as Locke, Bokeem Woodbine and Michael C. Hall. It runs 1 hour 55 minutes. Critics gave it 59% on Rotten Tomatoes and 48 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.2/10.

IMDb rating
6.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes
59%
Echo Score
48
Metascore
48
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In the Shadow of the Moon (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 55m (115 min)
Director
Jim Mickle
Genres
Sci-Fi , Mystery , Thriller , Crime
Original language
English
Studio
Netflix
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is In the Shadow of the Moon About?

The premise of In the Shadow of the Moon without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

When a serial killer terrorizes Philadelphia, reappearing every nine years, Officer Thomas Lockhart becomes obsessed with catching him. His relentless pursuit of justice consumes him, leading him to sacrifice everything. As he delves deeper into the investigation, the truth becomes increasingly complex, and Lockhart's sanity begins to unravel, blurring the line between reality and obsession.

In the Shadow of the Moon Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • time traveler
  • reference to the moon
  • year 1988
  • living in a car
  • serial killer
  • grandfather granddaughter relationship
  • philadelphia skyline
  • father daughter relationship
  • abandoned factory
  • beach
  • storm drain
  • time travel
+38 more
  • female time traveler
  • backward time travel
  • killing an animal
  • overhead camera shot
  • killing a pig
  • latex gloves
  • surveillance footage
  • old photograph
  • drinking beer
  • digging up a grave
  • digging up a dead body
  • living on a beach
  • drinking beer from a bottle
  • phone message
  • phone call from daughter
  • bag over head
  • abduction
  • reference to the american civil war
  • reference to jefferson davis
  • reference to robert e. lee
  • reference to abraham lincoln
  • fight in a car
  • slow motion scene
  • slow motion action scene
  • car crash
  • overturned car
  • shorthaired woman
  • panting
  • crying man
  • 4 star american flag
  • typewriter
  • manifest
  • snorting cocaine
  • pianist
  • concert hall
  • reference to franklin d. roosevelt
  • reference to dwight d. eisenhower
  • morley cigarettes
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Cast & crew

In the Shadow of the Moon Cast & Characters

Boyd Holbrook leads the cast as Locke, with Bokeem Woodbine as Maddox and Michael C. Hall as Holt. Directed by Jim Mickle; 16 actors are credited in all.

Ratings

In the Shadow of the Moon Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave In the Shadow of the Moon 59% on Rotten Tomatoes and 48 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.2/10. Our Echo Score gives it 48/100, strongest in sensory experience (70) and weakest in rewatch factor (30).

48 /100

In the Shadow of the Moon Echo Score Breakdown

In the Shadow of the Moon offers an intriguing premise that is undermined by uneven execution across key elements. The film’s visual polish and compelling set pieces are offset by a narrative that often becomes convoluted and pacing that wanes in its final act. Performances deliver intermittent engagement but lack sustained emotional depth. Overall, the result is a mixed thriller with notable ambitions but flawed cohesion.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 50

    In terms of art and craft, the film presents a mix of polished sequences and occasional flat imagery. Noir-inspired production design and measured camera movements deliver stylish moments, while budget constraints lead to more pedestrian visuals. Editing rhythms vary between fluid cuts and choppy transitions, resulting in an inconsistent presentation. The overall visual craft is competent but lacks consistent refinement.

  • Character & Emotion 55

    In terms of character and emotion, performances fluctuate between engaging and flat. Lead portrayals occasionally capture emotional stakes, but some central figures fail to sustain depth and resonance. Chemistry between characters is sporadic, creating intermittent moments of connection alongside scenes that feel underdeveloped. While individual moments demonstrate solid acting, the overall emotional impact remains uneven and limited.

  • Story & Flow 35

    In terms of story and flow, the film offers ambitious ideas but struggles with coherence. The central mystery and time travel premise generate initial intrigue, yet plot threads become convoluted and pacing slows in later segments. Originality is evident in thematic intentions, but heavy-handed developments and abrupt twists undermine engagement. Ultimately, narrative inconsistencies overshadow inventive concepts and hinder sustained interest.

  • Sensory Experience 70

    In terms of sensory experience, the film excels in its sound design and visual style. Thrilling action sequences are enhanced by a dynamic soundtrack and immersive effects, and the noir-inflected color palette contributes to cohesive atmosphere. However, occasional lapses in mixing and understated score moments lessen auditory impact. Overall, the sensory presentation remains engaging but imperfect in execution.

  • Rewatch Factor 30

    In terms of rewatch factor, the film’s strong visual moments and intriguing premise offer occasional appeal on repeat viewings. The noir atmosphere and select narrative beats may reward a second look, yet convoluted plot developments and uneven character engagement reduce overall replay value. Memorable sequences are present, but the combination of uneven pacing and narrative clarity limits long-term appeal.

Plot

In the Shadow of the Moon Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in In the Shadow of the Moon from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

In 1988, a terrifying incident unfolds in Philadelphia as multiple individuals simultaneously suffer fatal hemorrhages, resulting in catastrophic blood loss and brain disintegration. Police officer Thomas Lockhart (Boyd Holbrook) teams up with his partner Maddox (Bokeem Woodbine) and his brother-in-law, Detective Holt (Michael C. Hall), to probe into this gruesome case. Lockhart identifies a troubling connection among the victims when he discovers identical puncture wounds on their bodies. Toxicology tests reveal the use of an unstable isotope injected into their vertebrae, deepening the mystery.

Full summary

The whole story of In the Shadow of the Moon, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Videos

In the Shadow of the Moon Trailers & Videos

The trailer of In the Shadow of the Moon.

In the Shadow of the Moon | Official Trailer | Netflix
Quiz

How Well Do You Know In the Shadow of the Moon?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

In what year did the mysterious deaths begin in Philadelphia?

Cars

Cars in In the Shadow of the Moon

29 cars on screen, including the 1992 Chevrolet Caprice and the 1987 Chevrolet Caprice.

All 29 cars
  • 1992 Chevrolet Caprice in In the Shadow of the Moon 1992 Chevrolet Caprice Main role
  • 1987 Chevrolet Caprice in In the Shadow of the Moon 1987 Chevrolet Caprice Important role
  • 1987 Chevrolet Caprice in In the Shadow of the Moon 1987 Chevrolet Caprice Important role
  • 1999 Ford F-550 Super Duty in In the Shadow of the Moon 1999 Ford F-550 Super Duty Important role
Details

In the Shadow of the Moon Also Known As

26 alternative titles, including “Sombra Lunar” and “兇月”.

Also known as
  • Sombra Lunar
  • 兇月
  • ย้อนรอยจันทรฆาต
  • Ocultos por la Luna
  • 月影の下で:2019
  • Ayın Gölgesinde
  • Στη Σκιά του Φεγγαριού
  • В тени Луны
  • בצל הירח
  • All'ombra della luna
  • 문 섀도우
  • W cieniu księżyca
+14 more
  • У сенци месеца
  • A hold árnyékában
  • V měsíčním světle
  • 月影杀痕
  • El lado siniestro de la Luna
  • В сянката на луната
  • O Lado Oculto da Lua
  • 凶月
  • У тіні місяця, მთვარის ჩრდილში
  • 月影の下で
  • Trong Bóng Tối Của Mặt Trăng
  • Sang neuf
  • 月下緝兇
  • U sjeni mjeseca

Seen In the Shadow of the Moon?

FAQ

In the Shadow of the Moon FAQ: Cast & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of In the Shadow of the Moon, each answered in a sentence.

How long is In the Shadow of the Moon?

In the Shadow of the Moon runs 1 hour 55 minutes (115 minutes).

When was In the Shadow of the Moon released?

In the Shadow of the Moon was released on September 27, 2019.

Who directed In the Shadow of the Moon?

In the Shadow of the Moon was directed by Jim Mickle.

More films by Jim Mickle

Who is in the cast of In the Shadow of the Moon?

In the Shadow of the Moon stars Boyd Holbrook as Locke, Bokeem Woodbine as Maddox and Michael C. Hall as Holt, among 16 credited actors.

How is In the Shadow of the Moon rated?

In the Shadow of the Moon has 6.2/10 on IMDb, 59% on Rotten Tomatoes, 48 on Metacritic and 62% on TMDB.

Does In the Shadow of the Moon have a post-credit scene?

No. In the Shadow of the Moon has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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