What stands out most about In the Shadow of the Moon is its fearless mix of genres. Police thriller, science fiction, family drama, and even hints of horror come together in a story that, while somewhat chaotic, keeps your attention for most of its runtime.
The premise is strong: a detective who encounters a mysterious killer appearing every few years in ways that defy logic. That hook pulls the viewer in, even if the script can’t always sustain so much ambition. At times, the film feels like it’s trying to cover more than it can handle.
Boyd Holbrook does an adequate job in the lead role, though at times he lacks the charisma needed to fully connect with his personal struggles. Still, the supporting cast provides enough weight to keep the story afloat, supported by solid production values that enhance its unsettling tone.
Visually, it delivers striking imagery and moments of tension, but also leans on familiar clichés that lessen its freshness. The pacing is uneven: bursts of intensity are followed by slower stretches that sap some of the momentum.
All in all, In the Shadow of the Moon isn’t flawless, but it’s entertaining and intriguing. An imperfect film that takes risks, blends genres freely, and, even when it stumbles, manages to leave you with the sense of having seen something different.