Let's be honest: The Vast of Night is the kind of movie film teachers show to aspiring cinematographers, not the kind kids ask to watch on Friday night. It's genuinely well-made—those critical scores aren't lying—with innovative camerawork and a compelling mystery at its core.

But that 66% audience score? That's the reality check. This is a deliberately slow, dialogue-heavy, atmospheric indie that requires patience and attention most modern viewers (especially young ones) simply won't have. The gap between what critics loved and what regular audiences tolerated is massive.

If you've got a teen who's genuinely into film as an art form, who's already watched Stranger Things and wants something more cerebral and less flashy, this could be a fascinating watch. For everyone else? It's going to feel like homework. The 1950s setting, while atmospheric, adds another layer of distance for kids used to faster pacing and modern storytelling.

It's enriching in theory, but entertainment matters too, and this one sacrifices accessibility for artistry.