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Sci-fi thriller

The Vast of Night (2020): Cast, Ratings & Ending

The Vast of Night (2020) movie poster

The Vast of Night is a 2020 sci-fi thriller directed by Andrew Patterson, starring Jake Horowitz as Everett Sloan, Sierra McCormick and Bruce Davis. It runs 1 hour 31 minutes. It earned 2 award nominations, including Best First Screenplay at the Spirit Awards 2020. Critics gave it 92% on Rotten Tomatoes and 84 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.7/10.

IMDb rating
6.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes
92%
award nominations
2
Echo Score
80
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The Vast of Night (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 31m (91 min)
Director
Andrew Patterson
Genres
Sci-Fi , Drama , Mystery , Thriller
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is The Vast of Night About?

The premise of The Vast of Night without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

In 1950s New Mexico, a switchboard operator and a radio DJ stumble upon a strange audio signal that ignites a captivating investigation. As night falls, they explore dropped phone calls, old tapes, and cryptic whispers, uncovering hidden secrets within their small town. Their quest to understand the signal's origin becomes a thrilling pursuit that challenges their perceptions and potentially alters the future.

The Vast of Night Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • radio station
  • telephone switchboard operator
  • radio dj
  • tape recorder
  • basketball match
  • unidentified flying object
  • 1950s
  • telephone operator
  • small town
  • mysterious sound
  • vinyl record
  • mysterious signal
+38 more
  • radio show
  • alien signal
  • alien spacecraft
  • the future
  • underage smoking
  • audio static
  • radio static
  • teenage girl
  • teenage boy
  • high school basketball
  • reference to elvis presley
  • reference to peter pan
  • conspiracy theory
  • fictional town
  • school
  • reference to the twilight zone
  • television
  • black and white television
  • gymnasium
  • chipmunk
  • trombone
  • smoking
  • basketball
  • reference to lincoln nebraska
  • interview
  • reel to reel
  • drone shot
  • drone footage
  • cheerleader
  • brass band
  • telephone switchboard
  • switchboard operator
  • radio studio
  • teenager
  • radio
  • disc jockey
  • interference
  • record
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Cast & crew

The Vast of Night Cast & Characters

Jake Horowitz leads the cast as Everett Sloan, with Sierra McCormick as Fay Crocker and Bruce Davis as Billy. Directed by Andrew Patterson; 12 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in The Vast of Night

· 8 more
From the director

More from Andrew Patterson

More films directed by Andrew Patterson, best-rated first: The Rivals of Amziah King, The Rivals of Amziah King and The Vast of Night.

Full filmography
Ratings

The Vast of Night Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave The Vast of Night 92% on Rotten Tomatoes and 84 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.7/10. Our Echo Score gives it 80/100, strongest in art & craft (85) and weakest in rewatch factor (75).

80 /100

The Vast of Night Echo Score Breakdown

The Vast of Night delivers a compelling blend of technical finesse and intimate performance within its modest scale. Its precise camerawork and sound design establish immersive tension, and the leads provide measured emotional resonance. At times, extended monologues and minimal scene variation slow momentum, and some narrative beats feel familiar. Overall, the film balances stylistic inventiveness with occasional pacing unevenness, yielding a largely engaging science fiction experience.

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

  • Art & Craft 85

    In terms of art and craft, the film exhibits a confident use of cinematography and direction. Critics noted supple camera movements that transform framing into a dynamic presence, while several viewers praised its period-authentic production design. Some feedback cited occasionally underlit sequences and unvaried shot compositions. Overall, the visual approach sustains an engaging retro aesthetic with minor inconsistencies in lighting.

  • Character & Emotion 80

    In terms of character depth, the performances offer occasional nuance and chemistry. The leads deliver measured restraint, contributing to emotional engagement in quieter moments, and viewers noted dialogue that often captures 1950s intimacy. Some critiques highlighted a lack of development beyond expository monologues and moments where characters felt distant. On balance, the cast’s portrayal provides sufficient emotional grounding without extensive backstory.

  • Story & Flow 75

    When it comes to story and flow, the narrative relies on familiar genre beats executed with tension-driven pacing. Observers appreciated the deliberate build of anticipation through extended dialogue, though some users found monologues overly protracted and the trajectory predictable. Despite its conventional plot, the film maintains engagement via carefully timed revelations. Overall, the storyline offers accessible suspense tempered by occasional pacing lulls.

  • Sensory Experience 80

    Regarding sensory experience, sound design and visual cohesion form the film’s core appeal. The soundtrack underpins moments of suspense, and ambient audio often assumes narrative weight, evoking a retro broadcast atmosphere. Critics lauded its cohesive aesthetic, while detractors noted the reliance on black screens and audio in lieu of varied visuals. Ultimately, the sensory palette delivers an immersive if austere environment.

  • Rewatch Factor 75

    In terms of rewatch factor, the film’s economical scope offers nuanced details that may reward repeat viewings. Audiences drawn to atmospheric tension and dialogue-driven scenes could appreciate subtle shifts in emphasis on subsequent screenings. Others may find the film’s minimalistic style less conducive to multiple viewings due to its reliance on exposition. Overall, the movie presents a modest rewatch appeal anchored in its procedural intrigue.

Plot

The Vast of Night Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in The Vast of Night 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 1950s Cayuga, New Mexico, Everett, a teenage disc jockey, plays a pivotal role as he prepares for an upcoming high school basketball game. Alongside his friend Fay (Sierra McCormick), they test a new tape recorder. Afterward, Everett escorts her to her job as a switchboard operator, before heading to the WOTW radio station for his night shift.

While tuning into Everett’s radio show, Fay is startled by an ominous audio signal, which interrupts the broadcast. She starts receiving calls from concerned citizens reporting a strange wind-like phenomenon in the sky. Attempting to contact her friends, she faces abrupt disconnections, but manages to reach Everett, who promptly urges his listeners to share any information regarding the peculiar signal.

Full summary

The whole story of The Vast of Night, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Awards

The Vast of Night Awards & Nominations

The Vast of Night earned 2 award nominations, including Best First Screenplay at the Spirit Awards 2020. The 2 nominations come from 2 ceremonies.

2 nominations2 ceremonies

Videos

The Vast of Night Trailers & Videos

The trailer of The Vast of Night.

The Vast Of Night – Official Trailer | Prime Video
Quiz

How Well Do You Know The Vast of Night?

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

What fictional anthology program introduces the story?

Cars

Cars in The Vast of Night

18 cars on screen, including the 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air and the 1952 Hudson Hornet.

All 18 cars
  • 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air in The Vast of Night 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Important role
  • 1952 Hudson Hornet in The Vast of Night 1952 Hudson Hornet Important role
  • 1954 Chevrolet Two-Ten in The Vast of Night 1954 Chevrolet Two-Ten Minor role
  • 1953 Pontiac unknown in The Vast of Night 1953 Pontiac unknown Minor role
Details

The Vast of Night Also Known As

17 alternative titles, including “Die Weite der Nacht” and “Безкрайня ніч”.

Also known as
  • Die Weite der Nacht
  • Безкрайня ніч
  • Velká Noc
  • A Vastidão da Noite
  • L'immensità della notte
  • Бескрайняя ночь
  • 더 배스트 오브 나이트
  • Безмежна ніч
  • 浩瀚的夜晚
  • Безкрайна нощ, უსასრულო ღამე
  • เดอะ แวสต์ ออฟ ไนต์
  • Απέραντη Νύχτα
+5 more
  • Határtalan éj
  • Nezměrnost noci
  • ヴァスト・オブ・ナイト
  • Бескрајна ноћ
  • Nakties priešingybės

Seen The Vast of Night?

FAQ

The Vast of Night FAQ: Cast, Awards & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of The Vast of Night, each answered in a sentence.

How long is The Vast of Night?

The Vast of Night runs 1 hour 31 minutes (91 minutes).

When was The Vast of Night released?

The Vast of Night was released on May 29, 2020.

Who directed The Vast of Night?

The Vast of Night was directed by Andrew Patterson.

More films by Andrew Patterson

Who is in the cast of The Vast of Night?

The Vast of Night stars Jake Horowitz as Everett Sloan, Sierra McCormick as Fay Crocker and Bruce Davis as Billy, among 12 credited actors.

How is The Vast of Night rated?

The Vast of Night has 6.7/10 on IMDb, 92% on Rotten Tomatoes, 84 on Metacritic and 66% on TMDB.

Was The Vast of Night nominated for any awards?

The Vast of Night received 2 nominations across 2 ceremonies.

Does The Vast of Night have a post-credit scene?

No. The Vast of Night has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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