Prime Video’s The Vast of Night is an obscure sci-fi gem that deserves a much bigger audience. First-time director Andrew Patterson made the throwback alien invasion story on a budget of just $700,000, but it was later picked up by Amazon Studios after a wave of positive reviews from film festivals.

The Vast of Night takes place in the 1950s, and it pays tribute to ’50s sci-fi movies, as well as anthology shows like The Twilight Zone. It tells the story of two high school students with a pᴀssion for radio who investigate a strange disturbance coming through the wires.

All Sci-Fi Fans Should Watch The Vast Of Night

The Vast of Night is a hidden gem for sci-fi fans who want to watch something completely different. The ’50s setting makes it stand out from most modern sci-fi movies, but it’s also remarkably stylish in other ways, with the use of impressive long takes giving it the allure of a much more expensive movie.

The Vast of Night gives its actors plenty of room to shine. Some of the most gripping and memorable scenes are simple monologues, one of which unfolds with the speaker calling into a radio show without ever showing his face. The writing and delivery are strong enough to allow audiences to paint their own picture.

Because The Vast of Night spends so long building up to its sci-fi elements, it gives a chance for the story to dip into the lives of its characters. This is something that other alien invasion movies and sci-fi horror movies in general often lack, but the characters feel relatable and easy to root for, which ensures that The Vast of Night‘s ending hits hard.

When the film does eventually pick up the pace, it eschews most of the tired tropes of the genre. This gives the narrative an unpredictable quality, even though the entire story is drenched in the particularly American mythos of small-town supernatural events. The Vast of Night resembles an old urban legend that has sprung to life.

The Vast Of Night’s Director Has Only Made 1 Movie Since (& It’s Also Amazing)

Andrew Patterson funded, wrote and edited The Vast of Night, and it seems like his hard work has now paid off. Although his first movie premiered back in 2019, he is now rolling out his sophomore effort, which comes with a bigger budget and a cast of more recognizable stars. The Rivals of Amziah King stars Matthew McConaughey and Kurt Russell.

The Rivals of Amziah King premiered at SXSW in March 2025, but it has yet to confirm a release date. The film’s 97% Rotten Tomatoes score shows that it’s a hit with critics, and it has the potential to be even better than The Vast of Night. Before the crime thriller is released, it’s worth preparing by watching Patterson’s brilliant first film.