In the Shadow of the Moon (2019): Cast, Ratings & Ending
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.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 55m (115 min)
- Director
- Jim Mickle
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Netflix
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
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 Show fewer
- 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
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.
-
Director Jim Mickle
-
Boyd Holbrook as Locke -
Bokeem Woodbine as Maddox -
Michael C. Hall as Holt -
Sarah Dugdale as Amy (18, 27)
Also Starring in In the Shadow of the Moon
· 12 more- Quincy Kirkwood Amy (9)
- Rudi Dharmalingam Naveen Rao
- Cleopatra Coleman Rya
- Gabrielle Graham Tabitha
- Ryan Allen Palmer
- Rachel Keller Jean
- Al Maini Old Naveen
- Billy Otis
- Julia Knope Candace
- Jhonattan Ardila
- Martha Girvin
- Divan Meyer
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).
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.
-
IMDb 6.2 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 59% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 50%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 48 Metascore
User score 4.6
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 62% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 2.7 /5
29 ratings
See on Letterboxd -
Movie Insider 2.5 /5
See on Movie Insider
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
In the Shadow of the Moon Trailers & Videos
The trailer of In the Shadow of the Moon.
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
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
In what year did the mysterious deaths begin in Philadelphia?
Cars in In the Shadow of the Moon
29 cars on screen, including the 1992 Chevrolet Caprice and the 1987 Chevrolet Caprice.
-
1992 Chevrolet Caprice Main role -
1987 Chevrolet Caprice Important role -
1987 Chevrolet Caprice Important role -
1999 Ford F-550 Super Duty Important role
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 Show fewer
- 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?
Movies Like In the Shadow of the Moon
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including In the Shadow of Iris, Cold Moon and Moon.
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.
Coming soon to your phone
The Plot Explained Movie Summary App
From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.
Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app
