Dickens & Rumi
Cover of The Vast of Night

film

The Vast of Night

2019

At the dawn of the space-race, two radio-obsessed teens discover a strange frequency over the airwaves in what becomes the most important night of their lives and in the history of their small town.

Ages 14+Source checked

Why this age? PG-13 suspense includes threatening extraterrestrials, possible abductions, a disturbing testimony about missing people, trance-like behavior, danger to teens and a baby, and an unsettling unresolved disappearance. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age14+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Death of a character2/5
  • Violence2/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Courage & resilience3/5
  • Good role models3/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character2/5
Why this rating?

References are made to missing persons, past deaths, and the abduction of children. No actual on-screen deaths occur.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

There is no blood or graphic injury shown in the film.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Language appears limited and mild. The PG-13 rating and incomplete dialogue coverage leave some uncertainty.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

The two protagonists share a friendly, platonic dynamic with no overt romantic elements.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

The film relies heavily on eerie audio, unexplained phenomena, isolation, frightening reports, a strange language, a nearby spacecraft, and sustained suspense.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Incidental smoking is typical of the 1950s period setting, but it is not glamorized.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Includes brief moments of panic, a near-car crash, and threatening environmental effects, but no physical fighting or combat.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Fay and Everett investigate frightening evidence, help others, protect a baby, and continue acting under extreme uncertainty and danger.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

The film strongly encourages imaginative thinking through radio investigation, sound recording, UFO mystery, inventive storytelling, and unusual audiovisual presentation.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

The narrative addresses the systemic dismissal of minority testimony during the 1950s, though cast representation is limited.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

The period setting offers incidental context about radio, switchboards, military secrecy, and the space-race era, but education is not the main purpose.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

The leads look out for one another and help those in distress during the mystery.

Positive messages2/5
Why this rating?

Focuses on the importance of curiosity, persistence, and listening to those whose voices are marginalized.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

The young protagonists are portrayed as smart, capable, and driven by a strong desire to uncover the truth.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What was the most imaginative idea in the story, and what would you add to it?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in The Vast of Night would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in The Vast of Night, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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