The Shadow of the Moon"

"The Shadow of the Moon" is a 2019 science-fiction thriller directed by Jim Mickle and written by Gregory Weidman and Geoff Tock. The film stars Boyd Holbrook as a Philadelphia police officer named Thomas Lockhart, who becomes obsessed with solving a series of mysterious murders that occur every nine years. The film takes place over three decades, beginning in 1988 and ending in 2024, and explores themes of time travel, identity, and the nature of obsession.

The film opens in 1988, with Lockhart investigating a series of bizarre murders in Philadelphia. The killer, who becomes known as the "1988 Murderer," appears to be targeting young women who are pregnant, and leaves behind strange symbols at each crime scene. As Lockhart and his partner, Maddox (Bokeem Woodbine), investigate the case, they begin to suspect that the killer may be someone close to them.

Nine years later, in 1997, the murders start again, and Lockhart becomes obsessed with solving the case. He becomes so consumed by the investigation that it begins to strain his relationships with his wife, Jean (Rachel Keller), and their young daughter. Despite his best efforts, Lockhart is unable to solve the case before the killer strikes again in 2006.

The film takes a turn in 2015 when Lockhart discovers that the killer appears to be a time traveler, and that the murders are part of a larger plan to change the course of history. As Lockhart becomes more involved in the investigation, he begins to uncover a web of secrets and conspiracies that span multiple timelines and dimensions.

Boyd Holbrook delivers a captivating performance as Thomas Lockhart, bringing depth and nuance to the character's journey. As the film progresses, Lockhart becomes increasingly haunted by his obsession with the case and the toll it has taken on his personal life. Holbrook does an excellent job of conveying this internal struggle, making it clear that Lockhart's pursuit of justice is both admirable and destructive.

The film's supporting cast is also strong, with standout performances from Bokeem Woodbine as Lockhart's partner Maddox, and Rachel Keller as his wife Jean. Woodbine brings a sense of humor and levity to the film, while Keller's performance adds a much-needed emotional weight to the story.

One of the film's strengths is its visual style. Director Jim Mickle does an excellent job of creating a sense of tension and unease throughout the film, using atmospheric lighting and moody cinematography to great effect. The film's use of practical effects is also impressive, with the makeup and prosthetics used to create the victims of the killer's attacks being particularly gruesome.

The film's story is complex and ambitious, but at times it can be a little confusing. The film jumps back and forth between different timelines and dimensions, and the plot can be hard to follow at times. However, this is a minor quibble, as the film's strengths more than make up for any confusion caused by the narrative.

Overall, "The Shadow of the Moon" is a thought-provoking and engaging thriller that explores some fascinating sci-fi concepts. The film is well-directed, well-acted, and visually stunning, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre. While the film's story can be a little convoluted at times, the film's strengths more than make up for any confusion caused by the narrative. If you're looking for a sci-fi thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat, "The Shadow of the Moon" is definitely worth checking out.

The film's themes of time travel, identity, and obsession are explored in a captivating way, and the film's ending is satisfying and thought-provoking. Overall, "The Shadow of the Moon" is a great addition to the sci-fi thriller genre.