Watch In the Shadow of the Moon

In the Shadow of the Moon is a science fiction thriller movie released in 2019, directed by Jim Mickle, starring Boyd Holbrook, Cleopatra Coleman, and Bokeem Woodbine. The movie centers on a Philadelphia police officer named Thomas Lockhart (Holbrook) who works during multiple lunar cycle killings occurring in the city. He becomes obsessed with tracking down the serial killer and finds something incredibly unusual about the murders: they occur every nine years and the perpetrators do not appear to age.

The movie takes place in the late 1980s and early 1990s, following Lockhart's investigation in three distinct time frames—1988, 1997, and 2006. In 1988, Lockhart and his partner Maddox (Woodbine) uncover a bizarre series of deaths that appear unconnected. But when Lockhart's own brother-in-law falls victim to the killer, he begins to focus his attention on uncovering the mystery.

In 1997, Lockhart is obsessed with the case, and Maddox is now his superior. The case is reopened after several more grisly murders occur, and the detectives discover a pattern that nobody could have foreseen. With the aid of newcomer Rya (Coleman), the trio races against time to stop the killer before the next lunar cycle.

As Lockhart becomes more obsessed with the case, he starts realizing that there might be more to the murders than just a regular serial killer. His obsession leads him to wild theories about the supernatural and otherworldly beings. He grows increasingly paranoid and emotionally volatile as he becomes more and more invested in the case.

In the Shadow of the Moon provides an exciting combination of science fiction and mystery. It's a ride through time and space that keeps you guessing until the very end. Holbrook's character Lockhart might not be the most likable, but his emotional dissociation adds to the story's intrigue. The movie brings up questions about obsession, as it explores Lockhart's descent into his work and the toll it takes on his family life.

The acting in the movie is impressive, particularly Holbrook, whose character undergoes a significant transformation from beginning to end. Cleopatra Coleman also shines in her role as Rya, and Bokeem Woodbine provides a solid performance as Maddox, Lockhart's partner. The trio's intimate dynamics bring depth to the story and add a human element to the otherwise sci-fi storyline.

The movie has a unique approach to time travel, which is an element in many science fiction movies. It attempts to address the ethics of messing with time and the consequences of doing so. It doesn't delve too deeply into time travel theories, opting instead to keep it simple and easy to understand. The use of practical effects over CGI makes the movie visually appealing, particularly the transformation of Philadelphia over three decades.

In the Shadow of the Moon is an intriguing watch from start to finish, with plenty of surprises to keep you on the edge of your seat. While the pacing might be a bit slow for some viewers, it's a well-crafted slow burn that ultimately leads to a satisfying and emotional conclusion. The movie's only downside is that it might leave you with more questions than answers, but that shouldn't detract from your enjoyment of it.

Overall, the movie is an exciting and thought-provoking thriller that boasts strong performances and an engaging plot. It's a must-watch for fans of the genre or anyone looking for a unique cinematic experience.